An apparatus and method for evaluating a hypertonic condition in a movable
extremity are described. The apparatus includes an accelerometer, a
gyroscope, a force sensor and a data communication device for
transmitting data signals to a data processor. The method includes moving
a limb through a range of motion about an axis of rotation while
measuring parameters such as acceleration, velocity, the force on the
limb, and the time to move it through the range of motion. The measured
parameters are transmitted to a data processor which generates and
displays information that characterizes the hypertonic condition for
immediate feedback to the examiner or storage in a database for
monitoring of the patient's condition. An apparatus and a method for
simulating movement of a limb that has a hypertonic condition based on
characterizing information from a real limb are also described.