Improved biomedical device for spasticity quantification

Spasticity is a disabling motor disorder, resulting from neurological impairments. This disorder has now a remarkable social and economic impact, affecting approximately 1.9% of the world population. The methods for spasticity quantification play an important role in the medical treatments' success and may reduce the associated costs. The Modified Asworth Scale is the most commonly method used for the evaluation of this disorder, but experts agree that it is not a precise and reproducible method. Despite the literature presents several innovative methods, there is still a need for improvements. This paper presents the development of a biomedical device for spasticity quantification, based on the velocity dependent increase of the stretch reflexes threshold. The proposed approach was tested in clinical environment, with the collaboration of patients with spasticity. The experimental trials allow confirming the sensibility, reproducibility and reliability of the proposed approach.