Measuring spasticity and fine motor control (pinch) change in the hand after botulinum toxin-A injection using dynamic computerized hand dynamometry.

Abstract

To evaluate change in fine motor hand performance and to investigate the relationship between existing clinical measures and dynamic computerized dynamometry (DCD) after botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) injections for adults with upper limb spasticity. Pretest/posttest clinical intervention study. Hospital outpatient spasticity clinics. A convenience sample of adults (N=28; mean age, 51y) with upper limb spasticity after acquired brain injury. BTX-A injections for upper limb spasticity management. DCD protocol using a piezoelectric pinch meter (termed DCD[pinch]); current clinical upper limb measures: Modified Ashworth Scale, Tardieu Scale, Action Research Arm Test, Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, and Goal Attainment Scale. BTX-A produced a significant change on DCD(pinch) and some current clinical measures, with correlations observed between DCD(pinch) and current clinical measures. DCD(pinch) sensitively and objectively assessed the effects of BTX-A on upper limb spasticity during a simulated functionally based pinch and release task.