Isokinetic assessment of spasticity in subjects with traumatic spinal cord injury (ASIA A)

Objective: To assess resistance to passive isokinetic movements at specified speeds and range of motion, as a measure of muscular tonus. Methods: A group of 12 subjects with complete traumatic spinal cord injury and a group of 12 able-bodied subjects were analysed, distinguishing the level of spasticity in the SCI group. Maximum eccentric peak torque was observed in passive isokinetic flexion (F) and extension (E) knee movement in displacements of 30, 60 and 120° per second. Results: The Student t-test showed that the average torque in the injured group was significantly higher than in the control group (F=120° per second, P<0.001). Variance analysis showed that the lower level presented lower torque levels (E=60 and 120° per second, P<0.032), while those in the higher level presented higher torque levels (F and E=60 and 120° per second, P<0.032) when compared to the control group. In the control group the Student t-test (P<0.0006) showed a significantly different muscle behavior (Flexion>Extension Torque). Conclusion: By using isokinetic assessment it was possible to quantify hypertonic spasticity in a group of subjects with spinal cord injury, distinguishing groups with higher and lower levels of spasticity as compared to a control group.