This study of measures of spasticity, or altered motor control, compares the clinically used Ashworth scale with a method based on surface electromyographic (sEMG) recordings called brain motor control assessment (BMCA) in a group of 97 subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) and varying levels of motor dysfunction. In this paper, we describe how sEMG-derived scores relate to the severity of spa...

This study sought to investigate the relationships between clinical and neurophysiologic assessments of spasticity after injection of botulinum toxin-A in children with cerebral palsy. A total of 40 children were recruited. Clinical assessments included the modified Ashworth scale and modified Tardieu scale parameters R1, R2, and D. Neurophysiologic assessment included compound motor action pot...

Clinical assessment of equinus in children before and after operation was made over a twenty-year period (1958-1978), and three groups were defined. Forty-three muscles (Group I) had abnormal shortening without spasticity and the deformity progressed steadily despite immediate improvement after operation; this was considered to be the result of a lack of muscle growth during bone growth. Forty-...

Development of validated and reliable outcome measures for spasticity rehabilitation has been hampered by the difficulty of quantifying functionally important parameters such as pain, ease of care, and mobility. Nonetheless, a combination of measures designed to assess technical and functional outcomes, patient satisfaction, and the cost effectiveness of treatment can be used together to evalua...

Many clinicians frequently face the dilemma of whether and how to medically treat spasticity. When pharmacologic intervention is deemed appropriate, treatment decisions must first be based on accurate assessment using valid and reliable clinical instruments, and, importantly, specific, measurable, achievable, and realistic treatment goals should be delineated. For the treatment of localized or ...

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of hand function on the occupational performance of playing for children with cerebral palsy. METHODS Twenty children with cerebral palsy took part in the study, of both genders, aged 3-10 years, with motor abilities ranging from I to V and manual abilities from II to IV. Data were collected using the Assessment of Ludic Behaviour ...

Purpose Cerebral palsy (CP) is a permanent, non-progressive disorder of the developing brain. Tizanidine an effective treatment for spastic CP; however, insufficient evidence exists regarding its effect on motor function and side-effect profile. This review explored effects safety tizanidine in treating spasticity among pediatric patients with CP. Methods Two reviewers conducted literature sear...