title: The pendulum test for evaluating spasticity of the elbow joint.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop a modification of the pendulum test to allow evaluation of elbow spasticity.
  
  
  METHODS
  The main difficulties of directly applying the conventional pendulum test to the elbow were the small inertia of the forearm and the uncomfortable posture. We designed an experimental apparatus similar to a clock pendulum and developed an elbow biomechanic model to measure objectively spasticity of the elbow joint. The model consisted of linear stiffness and damping and gravity contribution.
  
  
  METHODS
  A referral medical center in Taiwan.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eleven stable stroke patients and 11 able-bodied subjects.
  
  
  METHODS
  A custom-designed accessory apparatus to facilitate the pendulum test in elbow joints.
  
  
  METHODS
  By using an optimization technique, we estimated parameters of the proposed elbow biomechanic model as the candidate indicators of spasticity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The stiffness constant remained relatively consistent in all groups. Both the damping coefficient and damping ratio increased in the affected side of stroke patients and tended to increase with the severity of spasticity. Damping ratio had marginally better differentiation capability than the damping coefficient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The damping ratio derived from the proposed model differentiated spasticity from normotonus and increased as spasticity increased.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan. cxl45@mail.ncku.edu.tw
authors.forename: Chou-Ching
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Ming-Shaung
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Ju
authors.forename: Chun-Wang
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation