| Summary: | Spasticity is a common sequale of spinal cord injury (SCI), and can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on mobility, functional independence and self-esteem. Clinical measurement of spasticity suffers from questions of credibility and contextual isolation. Recently self-report measures of spasticity have gained recognition as a viable alternative to independent examiner techniques. This pilot study endeavored to discern whether agreement was present between the clinical ‘gold standard’ measure (the modified Ashworth scale or MAS) and a recently validated self-report tool (the Spinal Cord Injury Spasticity Evaluation Tool or SCI-SET).
Spearman rank correlational analysis of measurement of spasticity using MAS and SCI-SET demonstrated some agreement, particularly with respect to the upper extremity musculature (ρ=.564, p=0.001). This relationship was much weaker comparing the lower extremity (ρ=.249, p=.161). They appear to measure similar, yet distinct aspects of the patients’ spasticity. While the MAS is quick and offers an objective interpretation, perhaps the SCI-SET better reflects the multifaceted nature of spasticity and how it affects the individual, and may enable some interpretation regarding the upper and lower extremities. This information is helpful for clinicians to compile a more comprehensive picture of spasticity as it affects the individual.
The Segway Personal Transporter® is a novel, yet practical mobility tool which has yet to garner widespread support in the SCI population. It requires minimal functional ability to operate, and is appropriate for use in individuals with disabilities. Previous work suggests a possible link between the Segway and physiologic benefits to spasticity, pain and fatigue. A one month intervention program targeted these outcome measures to determine (1) if they exist and (2) whether the effects are immediate or long-term in nature.
The Segway provides evidence for short term reductions in clinical ratings of spasticity (p=.001) and self-report pain (p=.027). Self-evaluations of fatigue approached significance (p=.12). There is some evidence to suggest that these beneficial outcomes may have lasting effects. The Segway may provide an adjunct to current therapy options for treating spasticity by introducing a stimulus to the system which overrides some underlying mechanism(s). As this was pilot work, further investigation of a longitudinal nature with a larger sample size is required to substantiate these findings.
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