The Modified Ashworth and Modified Tardieu Scales differ in their classification of lower limb spasticity

Abstract

Objective: To investigate agreement in spasticity classification between the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and the Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) when performed on four lower limb muscles in adults following neurological injury. Design: Observational trial. Setting: Inpatient and outpatient neurological rehabilitation unit. Participants: Ninety adults with lower limb spasticity. Main Measures: Ninety participants underwent a spasticity assessment of their hamstrings at 40° and 90° of hip flexion, quadriceps, gastrocnemius and soleus using the MAS and MTS. Assessment findings were dichotomised into spastic (MAS ≥ 1 or MTS X ≥ 2) or not spastic (MAS = 0 or MTS X ≤ 1) categories. To evaluate agre..