Volume 9, Issue 1 (April 2011)                   Iranian Rehabilitation Journal 2011, 9(1): 26-30 | Back to browse issues page

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Heidari M, Abootalebi S, Hosseini S A. Validity of Modified Ashworth Scale as a Measure of Wrist Spasticity in Stroke Patients. Iranian Rehabilitation Journal 2011; 9 (1) :26-30
URL: http://irj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-204-en.html
1- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:   (9613 Views)

Objectives: There are some controversies about the value of modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) for assessing spasticity. The goal of this study was to investigate if there is any correlation between scores obtained from MAS for wrist spasticity and electrophysiological recordings as the objective measure of spasticity.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 34 stroke patients were employed. Wrist spasticity was clinically measured by means of MAS. Also, an electromyogram (EMG) machine was used to elicit Hmax and Mmax from the flexor carpi radialis muscle. Spearman’s correlation coefficient test was used to investigate potential correlation between clinically and electrophysiologically measures of spasticity.

Results: The observed relation between MAS and EMG recordings was not statistically significant (rho=0.183, P>0.05).

Discussion: Our findings suggest that MAS may be a useful tool for grading hypertonia, but it is not a valid measure of spasticity in selected patients.

Full-Text [PDF 110 kb]   (6600 Downloads)    
Article type: Original Research Articles |
Received: 2011/01/6 | Accepted: 2011/02/20 | Published: 2011/04/1

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