Abstract
Objectives: To develop a technique which could objectively monitor and quantify spasms in spinal cord injured persons. Methods: This technique used accelerometers to detect movements in the limb caused by spasms. Accelerometer signals from movements caused by spasms and a variety of movements caused by other subject activities (movement in a wheelchair, transfers etc) were recorded and linear discriminant analysis was used to distinguish between spasms and other activities. Individual spasms were quantified by their duration, magnitude and energy and were recorded over a 24-h period. Results: Limb movements caused by spasms were shown to be well correlated with the EMG activity of the muscles causing the movement. Movements caused by spasms and movements caused by other subject activities could be reliably distinguished. Subjects showed a characteristic spasm pattern and it was possible to quantify the severity of the spasms and to determine precisely when they occurred. Conclusion: This technique for monitoring and quantifying spasms has the potential to be used as a clinical tool to aid in the evaluation and prescription of treatment.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Granat, M., Edmond, P. The application of air bag technology: An objective clinical measure of involuntary muscle spasm. Spinal Cord 37, 501–507 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.sc.3100864
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.sc.3100864
Keywords
This article is cited by
-
Limb accelerations during sleep are related to measures of strength, sensation, and spasticity among individuals with spinal cord injury
Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation (2022)