Validation of clinical ratings of cervical dystonia using computer-generated avatars

INTRODUCTION: The Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) and the Collum-Caput (Col-Cap) concept are tools for clinically assessing cervical dystonia severity. However, the accuracy of human ratings using these scales has not been systematically evaluated due to the lack of objective reference measurements. This study aims to assess and compare the accuracy of human TWSTRS and Col-Cap ratings to evaluate their robustness for clinical and research applications.

METHODS: One hundred pictures of 26 avatars mimicking cervical dystonia were created using the Rocketbox Avatar library. Forty-one movement disorder specialists rated the head and neck positioning of the avatars using either TWSTRS or Col-Cap. Movements were defined around two rotational levels (head, neck) in three rotational axes (pitch, yaw, roll).

RESULTS: Ratings of angular deviations showed a mean absolute error of 5.8° (SD = 7.0). Rating accuracy was primarily influenced by the magnitude of angular deviation, with larger angles leading to greater estimation errors. Direct comparison of the rating scales revealed a higher accuracy through Col-Cap ratings (71 % vs. 63 % for TWSTRS). Years of clinical experience did not significantly affect rating accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS: Both rating systems (TWSTRS and Col-Cap) show moderate accuracy in assessing head and neck positioning from computer-generated avatars, with Col-Cap showing slightly higher overall accuracy but struggling with precise differentiation between head and neck movements. These findings underscore the limitations of current clinical rating scales and highlight the need for more objective, reliable tools to effectively assess cervical dystonia.