Establishing the impact of a controlled testing speed on spasticity outcomes assessment tool implications.

Abstract

Returning to walking is the most common goal following neurological injury, such as stroke or traumatic brain injury. Spasticity is an abnormal muscle tightness in response to a fast movement, which is common in this population and has a profound impact on function and quality of life. The impact that spasticity has on walking outcomes remains unclear One explanation for this is incorrect treatment decision making secondary to false positive assessment findings. This may be because the current standardised testing protocol, using the Modified Tardieu Scale is much faster than the speed that the leg moves during walking. This study aimed to determine whether completing the MTS at a speed matched to an individual patient’s walking speed alters the assessment findings, when compared to its standardised form.