Speaker: Kimberly Keniry, MD

Title: Revised Ashworth-Tardieu Scale (RATS) for spasticity: Methods and reliability of a proposed new spasticity scale

Objective: To evaluate inter- and intra-rater reliability of the Revised Ashworth-Tardieu Scale (RATS) for spasticity, as to validate its clinical use

Design: Validity/reliability study

Methods: Sixty participants with spastic hemiplegia or tetraplegia will be recruited. Each participant will have the RATS spasticity exam performed a total of 8 times during a single study session by two physiatrist raters experienced in spasticity assessment and management. Each rater will alternate performing the RATS spasticity exam on each participant, twice with the participant in a seated position and twice in a supine position, with at least a 5 minute rest period between each exam.

Main Outcome Measures: Intra- and inter-rater reliability of the RATS in 6 muscles groups in the upper extremity and 6 muscles groups in the lower extremity

Results: Data collection in process

Conclusions: Data collection in process

Speaker: Bridget Walker, MD

Title: Ultrasound assessment of spastic muscle architecture in response to motor point block

Objective: To compare muscle architecture under ultrasound in response to motor point blocks in spastic muscle

Design: Prospective study

Methods: Eleven participants with spastic hemiplegia were recruited from inpatient and outpatient setting. Spasticity was evaluated clinically with Modified Ashworth Scale to identify muscles of interest for temporary motor point block (medial gastrocnemius and/or medial hamstring). An ultrasound assessment was performed on these muscles before and after motor point block. Motor point block to targeted muscles was performed using a 50/50 mixture of 1% lidocaine and 0.5% bupivacaine and with electrical stimulation for guidance. In addition, participants also took part in a combined gait analysis study; gait analysis was performed using Gaitrite walkway before and after motor point block.

Main Outcome Measures: Muscle thickness, muscle echointensity, pennation angle.

Results: To be determined.

Conclusions: TBD