Reliability and Validity of the Modified Heckmatt Scale in Evaluating Muscle Changes With Ultrasound in Spasticity.
Abstract
[OBJECTIVES] To determine the reliability and validity of the Modified Heckmatt scale in assessing muscle echotexture in spasticity.
[DESIGN] Prospective, observational, 2-center study. Two residents and 2 ultrasound experienced staff physicians each rated 100 ultrasound images that were also analyzed using quantitative gray-scale.
[SETTING] Academic ambulatory spasticity clinic.
[PARTICIPANTS] Participants (N=50) included 45 patients with upper or lower extremity spasticity and 5 healthy references.
[INTERVENTIONS] Not applicable.
[MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES] Modified Heckmatt scale ratings and quantitative gray-scale scores.
[RESULTS] Inter- and intra-rater intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.76 and 0.81, respectively (<.001), indicating good to excellent reliability. A significant relationship was found between Modified Heckmatt scores and quantitative gray-scale scores (=0.829; <.001).
[CONCLUSIONS] The Modified Heckmatt scale demonstrated good reliability and validity to assess the pathologic muscle changes that occur in patients with spasticity.
[DESIGN] Prospective, observational, 2-center study. Two residents and 2 ultrasound experienced staff physicians each rated 100 ultrasound images that were also analyzed using quantitative gray-scale.
[SETTING] Academic ambulatory spasticity clinic.
[PARTICIPANTS] Participants (N=50) included 45 patients with upper or lower extremity spasticity and 5 healthy references.
[INTERVENTIONS] Not applicable.
[MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES] Modified Heckmatt scale ratings and quantitative gray-scale scores.
[RESULTS] Inter- and intra-rater intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.76 and 0.81, respectively (<.001), indicating good to excellent reliability. A significant relationship was found between Modified Heckmatt scores and quantitative gray-scale scores (=0.829; <.001).
[CONCLUSIONS] The Modified Heckmatt scale demonstrated good reliability and validity to assess the pathologic muscle changes that occur in patients with spasticity.