Modeling spasticity: a systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Education

Background:

• Spasticity, a neurological condition causing increased muscle tone, complicates assessment due to secondary non-neurological factors like soft tissue changes.
• Accurate spasticity assessment is vital for effective treatment planning, often relying on clinicians' tactile evaluation during passive limb movement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and evaluate the feasibility of spasticity models or simulations for clinical teaching purposes.
• To examine existing models based on human spastic limbs across various neurological conditions and populations.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across four databases and gray literature.
• Study selection, data extraction, and synthesis involved independent reviewers, focusing on model development, data, and evaluation.
• Study quality was assessed using an adapted health technology assessment framework.

Main Results:

• The review identified opportunities for developing simulation models to enhance clinical training.
• However, significant limitations in the existing evidence base were found.
• The feasibility of developing spasticity models from current literature is restricted.

Conclusions:

• While simulation models offer potential for spasticity training, the current evidence base is insufficient for their development.
• Further research and development are needed to create feasible and effective spasticity simulation models for clinical education.