Dissertation
Critical Evaluation of Spasticity Assessment Using the Modified Tardieu Scale
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00468
Abstract
Neurological injuries are highly prevalent in society, for example an estimated 60,000 Australian’s have a stroke each year and an estimated one in four people globally will have a stroke in their lifetime. Neurological injuries can result in a complex sequalae of physical impairments, such as muscle paresis, spasticity, sensory and perceptual deficits, and reduced motor control. It is well established that individuals following neurological injury tend to report mobility limitations as their primary deficit and returning to independent walking is the most commonly identified rehabilitation goal within this population. Spasticity is a prevalent physical impairment (ranging from 63% to 84%), thought to impact walking performance in individuals following neurological injury. Spasticity was defined by Lance (1980), as a velocity-dependent hyper-excitability of the stretch reflex. This is a commonly used definition of spasticity due to the velocity-dependence that it refers to. Despite the high prevalence of lower limb spasticity and the perceived importance of returning to independent walking following neurological injury, there remains a lack of consensus in the literature regarding the relationship between lower limb spasticity and walking performance. This may be due to the inherent limitations of clinical scales of spasticity. It is unknown whether current spasticity assessment methods are able to accurately identify patients who have spasticity impacting walking performance and subsequently requiring the provision of active intervention. Current issues in the field of clinical spasticity assessment include: poor standardisation of testing speed and range of motion (ROM), limited research investigating the ecological validity or functional relevance of clinical scales of spasticity, and a lack of user-friendly assessment methods to ensure that clinical assessments are conducted accurately.
Details
- Title
- Critical Evaluation of Spasticity Assessment Using the Modified Tardieu Scale
- Authors
- Megan Banky
- Contributors
- Ross Clark (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00468
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Public Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99482208902621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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