Article

OBJECTIVE: To assess the metric properties of a myotonometer. DESIGN: Metric
study. SETTING: Three medical centers. PARTICIPANTS: Stroke patients (N=67).
INTERVENTION: Upper-extremity rehabilitation programs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The
tone, elasticity, and stiffness of relaxed extensor digitorum, flexor carpi
radialis, and flexor carpi ulnaris were measured using the myotonometer.
Fifty-eight patients completed the myotonometer measures twice at pretreatment.
The myotonometric measurement and the criteria measures, including hand strength
(grip, lateral pinch, and palmar pinch strength) and Action Research Arm Test
(ARAT) were administered at pretreatment and posttreatment. RESULTS: The
myotonometer showed high test-retest reliability for muscle properties in 3
muscles. Significant correlations existed between the tone and stiffness of the 3
muscles and palmar pinch strength, between those of the flexor carpi muscles and
lateral pinch strength, and between those of the flexor carpi radialis and the
ARAT at posttreatment. The posttreatment elasticity of the 2 flexor carpi muscles
was significantly correlated with grip strength. The pretreatment elasticity of
the flexor carpi ulnaris was significantly correlated with posttreatment grip
strength, and the pretreatment muscle tone and stiffness of the flexor carpi
radialis were significantly correlated with palmar pinch strength and the ARAT.
The responsiveness of the extensor digitorum was higher than that of the flexor
carpi radialis and ulnaris. Muscle stiffness was more responsive than tone and
elasticity in 3 muscles. CONCLUSIONS: Myotonometry can be a reliable, valid, and
responsive outcome measure for assessing muscle properties after stroke
rehabilitation.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS