Validation of portable muscle tone measurement device for quantifying velocity-dependent properties in elbow spasticity

Hsin Min Lee, Jia Jin J. Chen, Ming Shaung Ju, Chou Ching K. Lin, Paul P.W. Poon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The objective of this study is to develop a portable device for quantifying the velocity-dependent properties of spastic elbow muscles. Based on a motor-driven system, validation tests of the portable system such as accuracy and response of sensors were first examined. Furthermore, simulated modules (inertia, damper and spring) as well as elbow joints (15 control and 15 hemiplegic subjects) were manually stretched under four different frequencies (1/3, 1/2, 1 and 3/2 Hz) through 60° range of motion. Joint resistance and displacement during sinusoidal stretch were collected for further analysis. Two quantitative parameters (i.e., viscous components under each frequency and averaged viscosity across four frequencies) were derived to estimate the velocity-dependent properties of elbow joint. Tests of simulated modules confirm the manual stretch protocol and data analysis are valid in estimating the velocity-dependent component during a sinusoidal stretch. Compared to normal control, viscous component in each stretch frequency and averaged viscosity were significantly higher in subjects with spasticity (P<0.001). The viscous component and averaged viscosity were found highly correlated with the modified Ashworth scale. These findings suggest that measurements of viscous component and averaged viscosity during manual sinusoidal stretching using the portable device could be clinically useful in evaluating spasticity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)577-589
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Electromyography and Kinesiology
Volume14
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2004 Oct

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Neuroscience (miscellaneous)
  • Biophysics
  • Clinical Neurology

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