What is the modified Ashworth scale used for?

The modified Ashworth scale is the most universally accepted clinical tool used to measure the increase of muscle tone. [1] Spasticity was defined by Jim Lance in 1980, as a velocity-dependent increase in muscle stretch reflexes associated with increased muscle tone as a component of upper motor neuron syndrome.

What is the difference between Ashworth Scale and modified Ashworth scale?

Modified Ashworth Scale: Similar to Ashworth, but adds a 1+ scoring category to indicate resistance through less than half of the movement.

Is modified Ashworth scale for spasticity?

The Modified Ashworth Scale is the primary clinical measure for spasticity. 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.

Which scale is used for spasticity?

The most well-known and commonly used scale is Ashworth scale (AS) (Table 3). This scale grades the muscle tone from 0 (normal) to 4 (severe spasticity).

What is the difference between tone and spasticity?

Muscle Tone Hypertonia is resistance to passive movement, it is not dependent on velocity, can be with or without spasticity. Spasticity is an increase in resistance to sudden , passive movement and IS velocity dependent.

What does clonus mean?

Clonus is involuntary and rhythmic muscle contractions caused by a permanent lesion in descending motor neurons. Clonus may be found at the ankle, patella, triceps surae, wrist, jaw, biceps brachii.

How do you stop spasticity?

Spasticity can be reduced by:

  1. Performing stretching exercises daily. Prolonged stretching can make muscles longer, helping to decrease spasticity and prevent contracture.
  2. Splinting, casting, and bracing. These methods are used to maintain range of motion and flexibility.

What does spasticity feel like in legs?

Spasticity may be as mild as the feeling of tightness of muscles or may be so severe as to produce painful, uncontrollable spasms of extremities, usually of the legs. Spasticity may also produce feelings of pain or tightness in and around joints, and can cause low back pain.