OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the catch in clinical spasticity assessment in cerebral palsy (CP) is the consequence of a sudden velocity-dependent increase in muscle activity, resulting from hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex in spasticity. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: A special school for children with physical disabilities. PARTICIPANTS: Children with CP (N=20; age range, 5-14y; mean weight +/- SD, 35+/-14kg; mean length +/- SD, 139+/-19cm). INTERVENTIONS: Spasticity assessment tests (using slow and fast passive stretch) were performed in the medial hamstrings, soleus, and medial gastrocnemius muscles of the children by 2 experienced examiners. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded and joint motion was simultaneously measured using 2 inertial sensors. The encounter of a catch by the examiner was compared with the presence of a sudden increase in muscle activity ("burst"). The average rectified value (ARV) of the EMG signal was calculated for each test. RESULTS: The study shows a sudden increase in muscle activity in fast passive stretch, followed by a catch (hamstrings 100%, soleus 95%, gastrocnemius 84%). The ARV in slow passive stretch was significantly lower. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm that in children with CP, an increase in muscle activity is primarily responsible for a catch in fast passive muscle stretch. Copyright 2010 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the catch in clinical spasticity assessment in cerebral palsy (CP) is the consequence of a sudden velocity-dependent increase in muscle activity, resulting from hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex in spasticity. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: A special school for children with physical disabilities. PARTICIPANTS: Children with CP (N=20; age range, 5-14y; mean weight +/- SD, 35+/-14kg; mean length +/- SD, 139+/-19cm). INTERVENTIONS:Spasticity assessment tests (using slow and fast passive stretch) were performed in the medial hamstrings, soleus, and medial gastrocnemius muscles of the children by 2 experienced examiners. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded and joint motion was simultaneously measured using 2 inertial sensors. The encounter of a catch by the examiner was compared with the presence of a sudden increase in muscle activity ("burst"). The average rectified value (ARV) of the EMG signal was calculated for each test. RESULTS: The study shows a sudden increase in muscle activity in fast passive stretch, followed by a catch (hamstrings 100%, soleus 95%, gastrocnemius 84%). The ARV in slow passive stretch was significantly lower. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm that in children with CP, an increase in muscle activity is primarily responsible for a catch in fast passive muscle stretch. Copyright 2010 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Authors: Lizeth H Sloot; Josien C van den Noort; Marjolein M van der Krogt; Sjoerd M Bruijn; Jaap Harlaar Journal: PLoS One Date: 2015-12-15 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Yvette L Kerkum; Annemieke I Buizer; Josien C van den Noort; Jules G Becher; Jaap Harlaar; Merel-Anne Brehm Journal: PLoS One Date: 2015-11-23 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Lynn Bar-On; Barbara M Kalkman; Francesco Cenni; Simon-Henri Schless; Guy Molenaers; Constantinos N Maganaris; Alfie Bass; Gill Holmes; Gabor J Barton; Thomas D O'Brien; Kaat Desloovere Journal: Front Pediatr Date: 2018-10-04 Impact factor: 3.418