An apparatus and method for evaluating a hypertonic condition such as
spasticity in a movable extremity are described. The apparatus includes
an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a sensor-adapted for quantifying force
or pressure. The apparatus further includes a data communication device
adapted for transmitting data signals obtained from the accelerometer,
said gyroscope, and said sensor for processing and real-time display. The
method includes the steps of moving the extremity through a range of
motion about an axis of rotation. During the movement of the limb
parameters such as acceleration, angular velocity, the force applied to
the extremity, and the time duration to move the extremity through the
range of motion are all measured. The measured parameters are then
transmitted to a data processor which processes the data to generate
information that characterizes the hypertonic condition of the extremity
for immediate feedback to the examiner or storage in a database for
monitoring of the patient's condition. In accordance with a further
aspect of the present invention there is described an apparatus and
method for simulating movement of a limb that has a hypertonic condition
based on characterizing information from a real limb.