Methods for Evaluating Patients with Spasticity and Rigidity

Current literature reveals that quantification of rigidity and spasticity is a necessary part of medical research and evaluation. An overview of quantitative technique used in the assessment of passive resistance to motion is presented herein, as well as a more detailed inspection of one device currently being used at Milwaukee County General Hospital. To facilitate the discussion, quantitative technique is grouped into the categories of electromyography; subjective measurement: and force, displacement, energy quantification. I sincerely hope that this review will provide valid insight into current methods of evaluation and thereby suggest means of improvement in this challenging field