Biomechanical measurement of spastic plantarflexors.

A study was conducted to determine the feasibility of quantifying spasticity in plantarflexors by measuring the resistance to passive dorsiflexion of the ankle joint at several constant angular speeds. Repeated testing was conducted on normal subjects and spastic patients. Good repeatability was found for both groups and both groups were found to differ significantly from each other with respect to the measurement variable. The method will provide a useful tool for quantifying alterations in plantarflexor spasticity which result from various surgical and non-surgical treatments.