Abstract
Quantified assessment of spasticity is essential for the rehabilitation of persons with paralysis. We introduce the new SPAsticity Scale (SPAS), which we found highly correlated with the Modified Ashworth Score (MAS); yet, with a delicate gradation of spasticity compared to the MAS. The parameters defining the SPAS show the level and the type of spasticity (flexion or extension). The SPAS is based on a complex model of the pendulum type oscillations of the lower leg, which includes the spastic torques. The data to calculate SPAS were collected by a wearable instrument with two inertial measurement units and two EMG recording units in subjects with a complete chronic spinal cord injury.
Acknowledgments
We thank to Lana Popović-Maneski, Ph.D., for developing the software for the pendulum test. We thank to Radoje Čobeljić, M.D, Ph.D. and Prof. Ksenija Ribarić, M.D, Ph.D. for recruiting subjects, performing the galvanic stimulation, and assessing spasticity by the MAS in the Clinic for rehabilitation ‘Dr. Miroslav Zotović’, Belgrade, Serbia.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).