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

Objective: To assess resistance to passive isokinetic movements at specifie d 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 le vel of spasticity in the SCI group. Maximum eccentric peak torque was obser ved in passive isokinetic flexion (F) and extension (E) knee movement in di splacements of 30, 60 and 120 degrees per second. Results: The Student t-test showed that the average torque in the injured g roup was significantly higher than in the control group (F=120 degrees per second, P < 0.001). Variance analysis showed that the lower level presented lower torque levels (E=60 and 120 degrees per second, P < 0.032), while th ose in the higher level presented higher torque levels (F and E=60 and 120 degrees per second, P < 0.032) when compared to the control group. In the c ontrol group the Student t-test (P < 0.0006) showed a significantly differe nt muscle behavior (Flexion > Extension Torque). Conclusion: By using isokinetic assessment it was possible to quantify hype rtonic spasticity in a group of subjects with spinal cord injury, distingui shing groups with higher and lower levels of spasticity as compared to a co ntrol group.