Clinical measurement of spasticity using the pendulum test: comparison of electrogoniometric and videotape analyses.
OBJECTIVE
To compare pendulum test data obtained using an electrogoniometer with data obtained by videotape. The issue of video digitization error was also addressed.


METHODS
The study compared pendulum test relaxation indices determined from data simultaneously collected using (1) a video (VID) camera and (2) an electrogonimeter (EG).


METHODS
A spinal cord injury rehabilitation center.


METHODS
Three persons with a spinal cord injury (SCI) exhibiting mild, moderate, and severe spasticity, respectively, and a fourth, non-SCI subject.


METHODS
Relaxation index as a descriptor of lower limb muscle spasticity measured using the pendulum test.


RESULTS
Multiple-digitization of VID data did not affect the reliability of this technique. It was noted that reflective markers located on body landmarks resulted in more reliable data as opposed to markers placed on the EG. Both EG and VID data were accurate and reliable.


CONCLUSIONS
In the VID method, using one digitization by a single operator is sufficient. The appropriate placement of light reflector markers are on body points. EG and VID are both reliable, highly correlated, and interchangeable in measuring spasticity using the pendulum test.
Jamshidi
M
M
Graduate Department of Community Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Smith
A W
AW
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D004568:Electrodiagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009126:Muscle Relaxation; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014741:Video Recording