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(1) Background: The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) is commonly used clinically to evaluate spasticity, but its qualitative nature introduces subjectivity. We propose a novel metric scale to quantitatively measure spasticity using mechanomyography (MMG) to mitigate these subjective effects. (2) Methods: The flexor and extensor muscles of knee and elbow joints were assessed with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) during the acquisition of mechanomyography (MMG) data. The median absolute amplitude of the MMG signals was utilized as a key descriptor. An algorithm was developed to normalize the MMG signals to a universal gravitational (G) acceleration scale, aligning them with the limits and range of MAS. (3) Results: We evaluated 34 lower and upper limbs from 22 volunteers (average age 39.91 ± 13.77 years) of both genders. Polynomial regression provided the best fit (R2 = 0.987), with negligible differences (mean of 0.001 G) between the MAS and MMG. We established three numerical sets for the median, minimum, and maximum MMG(G) values corresponding to each MAS range, ensuring consistent alignment of the Modified Ashworth levels with our proposed scale. (4) Conclusions: Muscle spasticity can now be quantitatively and semi-automatically evaluated using our algorithm and instrumentation, enhancing the objectivity and reliability of spasticity assessments.

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Este estudo teve como objetivo relatar um caso de bruxismo e cefaleia matinal, o qual foi tratado com placa estabilizadora para impedir o desgaste dentário e reduzir a dor orofacial de origem muscular. A paciente procurou a disciplina de Clínica Integrada com queixa de dores de cabeça e na face frequentes logo ao acordar. Após anamnese, exame físico intraoral e palpação muscular, a paciente foi diagnosticada com cefaleia matutina e dor facial de origem muscular relacionadas com bruxismo noturno (atividade parafuncional). Como tratamento, foi proposta a confecção de uma placa estabilizadora para uso noturno. No primeiro retorno após uma semana, a paciente relatou melhora na cefaleia matutina, e após um mês, os sintomas praticamente desapareceram. A mesma foi instruída a continuar usando a placa para dormir com o objetivo de proteger seus dentes de um desgaste maior, mesmo que as dores cessassem ompletamente. Recomendou-se retorno após 3 meses para acompanhamento dos sinais e sintomas. Apesar da inexistência de tratamento curativo, o tratamento com placa estabilizadora apresenta-se como uma importante opção terapêutica no controle da dor muscular e prevenção dos desgastes dentários.

This study aimed to report a clinical case of bruxism and morning headaches in which the patient was treated with a stabilization splint to prevent tooth wear and reduce muscular orofacial pain. The patient complained of frequent headaches and facial pain upon waking. After anamnesis, intraoral examination, and muscle palpation, the patient was diagnosed with morning headaches and muscular orofacial pain caused by nocturnal bruxism (parafunctional activity). The patient was treated with a stabilization splint for nocturnal use. One week after the insertion of the splint, the patient reported relief in morning headache, and after a month the symptoms had almost completely disappeared. The patient was instructed to keep using the splint to sleep in order to prevent tooth wear, even if the pain ceased completely. An appointment at 3 months post-insertion was scheduled for follow-up of signs and symptoms. Despite the lack of curative treatment for sleeping bruxism, the stabilization splint therapy is an important therapeutic option for pain control and prevention of tooth wear

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