Spasticity Management Teams, Evaluations, and Tools: A Canadian Cross-Sectional Survey

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Spasticity management requires standardized physical evaluations and assessment tools for effective treatment.
• Understanding current clinical practices is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes in Canada.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the physical evaluations and assessment tools utilized by Canadian healthcare professionals in managing adult spasticity.
• To map the current landscape of spasticity care in Canada.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, web-based survey with 19 questions was administered.
• The survey targeted healthcare professionals from the Canadian Advances in Neuro-Orthopedics for Spasticity Congress database.
• Eighty professionals (61 physiatrists, 19 others) completed the survey.

Main Results:

• Nearly half of participants worked in inter- or trans-disciplinary teams.
• Frequently used physical evaluations included visual observation of movement, range of motion, tone assessment (spastic catch, clonus), and gait evaluation.
• The Modified Ashworth Scale, goniometer, and Goal Attainment Scale were the most common tools for spasticity assessment.
• Qualitative descriptions were most frequently used for goal evaluation (37.5%).

Conclusions:

• Visual observation, Modified Ashworth Scale, and qualitative goal descriptions are prevalent in Canadian spasticity management.
• Findings offer insights into staffing, physical evaluations, and outcome measurements in clinical practice.
• This understanding can guide future clinical evaluations and spasticity management strategies.