Proposal of a real-time computational tool for the measurement of spasticity in stroke patients

Spasticity is a motor disorder that affects over 12 million people worldwide. Its pathophysiology is rather complex and might be caused by cortical problems or spinal cord injury, for example, and involves different circuitries and networks. The measurement of spasticity is very important for providing better support for the patients, both in diagnosis and treatment. However, there's not an agreement over what is the best method for doing it. It has been proposed that the Tonic Stretch Reflex Threshold might be a valid alternative as a quantitative measurement. In this context this paper presents the proposal of a computational tool that is meant to support the measurement of spasticity in stroke patients based on the Tonic Stretch Reflex Threshold method. Its purpose is to support therapy management by providing a quantitative measurement of the spasticity severity and to serve as a good tool to therapists, giving instructions and results in real time. This paper presents the software specifications, the preliminary results obtained, which are related to the data acquisition process, and a discussion over the next steps of the project.