Glossary of Terms: S-U

Spasticity

Involuntary muscle tightness and stiffness that can occur after a stroke.  It is characterized by exaggerated deep tendon reflexes that interfere with muscular activity, gait, movement, or speech.  Spasticity can increase initially but wane down later on, after stroke. 

Systematic Review

A systematic review is a summary of available research on a given topic that compares studies based on design and methods.  It summarizes the findings of each, and points out flaws or potentially confounding variables that may have been overlooked.  A critical analysis of each study is done in an effort to rate the value of its stated conclusions.  The research findings are then summarized, and a conclusion is provided.

Toddler arm-use test (TAUT)

Within a play setting, 22 standardized tasks are preformed assessing upper extremity function. The less functional arm of a patient is tested, and if the child is unable to complete a task, he/she is permitted to use the more functional extremity. A three point scale is used and for each task, the “amount of participation, how well a task was performed, and willingness are scored.

Test of Playfulness (ToP)

Consisting of 24 items, this measurement tool characterizes the aspects of playfulness based on flow theories. Three scales, ranging from 0 to 3, score the quantity, intensity and skill of the items. Examples of items include “appears safe” and “plays interactively with others.”