Quantitative Evaluation of Post-stroke Spasticity Using Neurophysiological and Radiological Tools: A Pilot Study.
10.5535/arm.2018.42.3.384
- Author:
Mi Jin HONG
1
;
Jong Bum PARK
;
Yung Jin LEE
;
Hyeong Tae KIM
;
Won Chul LEE
;
Cheol Mog HWANG
;
Hyun Kyoon LIM
;
Dong Hyun LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea. jbocean@hanmail.net
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Stroke;
Muscle spasticity;
Electromyography;
Ultrasonography;
Muscles
- MeSH:
Ankle;
Brain;
Elasticity;
Elasticity Imaging Techniques;
Electromyography;
Evaluation Studies as Topic*;
Humans;
Muscle Spasticity*;
Muscle, Skeletal;
Muscles;
Pilot Projects*;
Stroke;
Ultrasonography
- From:Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
2018;42(3):384-395
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To determine the possibility of a new measurement tool using electromyography and ultrasonography for quantitative spasticity assessment in post-stroke patients. METHODS: Eight hemiplegic stroke patients with ankle plantarflexor spasticity confirmed by a Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) were enrolled. Spasticity was evaluated using the MAS and Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS). Each subject underwent surface electromyography (sEMG) using the Brain Motor Control Assessment (BMCA) protocol and was compared with a healthy control group. Using ultrasonography, muscle architecture and elasticity index were measured from the medial gastrocnemius muscle (GCM) on the affected and unaffected sides. RESULTS: MAS and MTS revealed significant correlation with sEMG activity. The fascicle length and pennation angle were significantly decreased in the medial GCM on the hemiplegic side compared with the unaffected side. The elasticity index of the spastic medial GCM was significantly increased compared with the unaffected side. The MTS X and R2–R1 values were significantly correlated with the elasticity index in the hemiplegic GCM. The relationship between clinical evaluation tools and both BMCA and sonoelastography was linear, but not statistically significant in the multiple regression analysis. CONCLUSION: The BMCA protocol and ultrasonographic evaluation provide objective assessment of post-stroke spasticity. Further studies are necessary to conduct accurate assessment and treatment of spasticity.
