engleski

Validation of the pendulum test in the assessment of muscle tone in persons with cerebral palsy

Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) is often accompanied by motor limitations, abnormal movements and spasticity. Precise and reproducible assessment of spasticity is essential for the selection and follow up of the therapeutic protocol. In clinics the spasticity is most often characterized with the estimate of resistance to a manual flexion and extension of a particular joint and use of a modified Ashworth scale (MAS). The MAS grading depends on the subjective assessment by the examiner. Aim: The possible alternative is to use the pendulum test (PT) determined parameters for the quantitative assessment of the spasticity. Material and Methods: We used a new instrument from the company 3F - Fit Fabricando Faber comprising inertial measurement units at the shank and thigh, and two EMG recording units to record electromyographic signals from the hamstrings and quadriceps muscles. The study included 48 subjects diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Results: The analysis of results showed that the new measure based on the PT recordings is highly corelated with the muscle tone in CP patients, and automatically distinguishes the type of spasticity (flexion or extension), relaxation rate and spasticity strength. Conclusion: The new measure showed sensitivity of the PT and indicates great potential of using the PT in the protocols for better control of spasticity in CP patients.

cerebral palsy (CP), pendulum test (PT), modified Ashwort scale (MAS), spasticity

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