Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Date of Degree
6-2016
Document Type
Capstone Project
Degree Name
D.P.T.
Program
Physical Therapy
Advisor
Zaghloul Ahmed, PT, PhD
Subject Categories
Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Equipment and Supplies | Life Sciences | Nervous System | Other Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Physical Therapy | Physiotherapy
Keywords
Stroke, Spasticity, Pendulum Test, Patellar Tendon Tap Test, Modified Ashworth Scale
Abstract
Spasticity is characterized by hyperexcitable stretch reflexes with amplitude increases in response to velocity dependent passive movement and resistance. Spasticity is the result of abnormal function of segmental and suprasegmental neuronal circuits. The objective of this study was to determine any positive correlation between three clinical evaluators of spasticity (i.e., the pendulum test, the patellar tendon tap test (PTT), and the Modified Ashworth scale) in their reliability to assess spasticity in people post-stroke. It was hypothesized that the use of force movement sensors along with surface electromyography increases the reliability of the standardized clinical tests. The results show that all three clinical tests detected spasticity. However, the pendulum and the patella tendon tap tests were more reliable and sensitive than the Modified Ashworth scale in detecting the varying levels of spasticity in post-stroke subjects. These tests should be used in the clinical setting along with force-movement sensors in order to measure spasticity more accurately.
Recommended Citation
Alvino, Tiffany; David, Shiney; and Gendvil, Chelsea, "Reliability of Clinical Evaluators of Spasticity in Patients with Stroke" (2016). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/1230
Included in
Equipment and Supplies Commons, Life Sciences Commons, Nervous System Commons, Other Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons, Physical Therapy Commons, Physiotherapy Commons