Velocity dependent measure of spasticity: Reliability in children and juveniles with neuromotor disorders
Date
2021-04-28Author
Marsico, Petra
Frontzek-Weps, Victoria
van Hedel, Hubertus J. A.
Metadata
Show full item recordCitation
Marsico, P., Frontzek-Weps, V., van Hedel, H. J. A. (2021) Velocity dependent measure of spasticity: Reliability in children and juveniles with neuromotor disorders. Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, 14(2), pp. 219-226.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to create a clear, standardized test description to rate spasticity severity into four categories according to the definition given by Lance [1], referred to as the Velocity Dependent Measure of Spasticity (VDMS). METHOD: Muscle groups of the upper and lower limbs of children with neuromotor disorders were evaluated on their response to passive movement in a fast-versus slow-velocity test condition. The interrater and test-retest reliability were assessed using Gwet’s alpha one (95%-CI) and the percentage agreement. RESULTS: Two physiotherapists independently assessed 45 children and youths (age 4–19 years). The interrater reliability of the VDMS was substantial to almost perfect (Gwet’s alpha one: 0.66–0.99, n= 45) while the test-retest reliability was almost perfect as well (Gwet’s alpha one: 0.83–1.00, n= 42). CONCLUSION: The VDMS can be recommended as a reliable assessment with a standardized procedure to assess spasticity of the extremities in children with neuromotor disorders.