Reliability and validity of the modified Heckmatt scale in evaluating muscle changes with ultrasound in spasticity

Objectives To determine the reliability and validity of Modified Heckmatt scale in assessing muscle echotexture spasticity. Design Prospective, observational, 2-center study. Two residents 2 ultrasound experienced staff physicians each rated 100 images that were also analyzed using quantitative gray-scale. Setting Academic ambulatory spasticity clinic. Participants (N=50) included 45 patients with upper or lower extremity 5 healthy references. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures ratings gray-scale scores. Results Inter- intra-rater intraclass correlation coefficients 0.76 0.81, respectively (P<.001), indicating good to excellent reliability. A significant relationship was found between scores (r=0.829; P<.001). Conclusions The demonstrated assess pathologic changes occur