A low-cost, open-source device to evaluate limb stiffness in a rabbit model of cerebral palsy
BackgroundMovement disorders such as cerebral palsy (CP) are frequently associated with joint and muscle stiffness, often evaluated using subjective clinical methods like the Modified Ashworth Scale or Tardieu Scale. These approaches lack precision and reproducibility, particularly in preclinical mo...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1554775/full |
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| author | Preston R. Steele Preston R. Steele Joel Feldmann Joel Feldmann Katharina A. Quinlan Katharina A. Quinlan Marin Manuel Marin Manuel |
| author_facet | Preston R. Steele Preston R. Steele Joel Feldmann Joel Feldmann Katharina A. Quinlan Katharina A. Quinlan Marin Manuel Marin Manuel |
| author_sort | Preston R. Steele |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | BackgroundMovement disorders such as cerebral palsy (CP) are frequently associated with joint and muscle stiffness, often evaluated using subjective clinical methods like the Modified Ashworth Scale or Tardieu Scale. These approaches lack precision and reproducibility, particularly in preclinical models, limiting their utility in translational research.MethodsThis study presents the development of a low-cost, open-source torquemeter device tailored for use in a neonatal rabbit model of CP. The device is designed to quantify joint stiffness objectively by measuring torque across a range of controlled joint rotation speeds, a key factor in evaluating hypertonia associated with spasticity and dystonia. The construction process is straightforward, with all components being either commercially available or 3D-printable and requiring only basic assembly tools.ResultsThe torquemeter demonstrated precise, reproducible measurements of torque and joint stiffness in pilot studies, validating its applicability in preclinical settings. By eliminating subjective biases, the device provides robust data to assess the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions targeting spasticity.ConclusionThis low-cost torquemeter offers an accessible, reliable tool for preclinical movement disorder research. Its ability to quantify limb stiffness with high precision enhances the evaluation of treatment strategies in CP models, paving the way for improved therapeutic development and outcomes. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-1c81b8f98c5846afb7880126d22b93b8 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2296-4185 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
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| series | Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology |
| spelling | doaj-art-1c81b8f98c5846afb7880126d22b93b82025-08-20T02:32:27ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology2296-41852025-06-011310.3389/fbioe.2025.15547751554775A low-cost, open-source device to evaluate limb stiffness in a rabbit model of cerebral palsyPreston R. Steele0Preston R. Steele1Joel Feldmann2Joel Feldmann3Katharina A. Quinlan4Katharina A. Quinlan5Marin Manuel6Marin Manuel7Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United StatesGeorge and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United StatesDepartment of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United StatesGeorge and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United StatesDepartment of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United StatesGeorge and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United StatesDepartment of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United StatesGeorge and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United StatesBackgroundMovement disorders such as cerebral palsy (CP) are frequently associated with joint and muscle stiffness, often evaluated using subjective clinical methods like the Modified Ashworth Scale or Tardieu Scale. These approaches lack precision and reproducibility, particularly in preclinical models, limiting their utility in translational research.MethodsThis study presents the development of a low-cost, open-source torquemeter device tailored for use in a neonatal rabbit model of CP. The device is designed to quantify joint stiffness objectively by measuring torque across a range of controlled joint rotation speeds, a key factor in evaluating hypertonia associated with spasticity and dystonia. The construction process is straightforward, with all components being either commercially available or 3D-printable and requiring only basic assembly tools.ResultsThe torquemeter demonstrated precise, reproducible measurements of torque and joint stiffness in pilot studies, validating its applicability in preclinical settings. By eliminating subjective biases, the device provides robust data to assess the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions targeting spasticity.ConclusionThis low-cost torquemeter offers an accessible, reliable tool for preclinical movement disorder research. Its ability to quantify limb stiffness with high precision enhances the evaluation of treatment strategies in CP models, paving the way for improved therapeutic development and outcomes.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1554775/fullcerebral palsyjoint stiffnesstorquemeterspasticitydystoniapreclinical research |
| spellingShingle | Preston R. Steele Preston R. Steele Joel Feldmann Joel Feldmann Katharina A. Quinlan Katharina A. Quinlan Marin Manuel Marin Manuel A low-cost, open-source device to evaluate limb stiffness in a rabbit model of cerebral palsy Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology cerebral palsy joint stiffness torquemeter spasticity dystonia preclinical research |
| title | A low-cost, open-source device to evaluate limb stiffness in a rabbit model of cerebral palsy |
| title_full | A low-cost, open-source device to evaluate limb stiffness in a rabbit model of cerebral palsy |
| title_fullStr | A low-cost, open-source device to evaluate limb stiffness in a rabbit model of cerebral palsy |
| title_full_unstemmed | A low-cost, open-source device to evaluate limb stiffness in a rabbit model of cerebral palsy |
| title_short | A low-cost, open-source device to evaluate limb stiffness in a rabbit model of cerebral palsy |
| title_sort | low cost open source device to evaluate limb stiffness in a rabbit model of cerebral palsy |
| topic | cerebral palsy joint stiffness torquemeter spasticity dystonia preclinical research |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1554775/full |
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