Modified Ashworth scale explained
| Modified Ashworth scale |
| Purpose: | measure of spasticity |
The Modified Ashworth scale (MAS) measures resistance during passive soft-tissue stretching and is used as a simple measure of spasticity.[1] Scoring (taken from Bohannon and Smith, 1987):
- 0: No increase in muscle tone
- 1: Slight increase in muscle tone, manifested by a catch and release or by minimal resistance at the end of the range of motion when the affected part(s) is moved in flexion or extension
- 1+: Slight increase in muscle tone, manifested by a catch, followed by minimal resistance throughout the remainder (less than half) of the ROM
- 2: More marked increase in muscle tone through most of the ROM, but affected part(s) easily moved
- 3: Considerable increase in muscle tone, passive movement difficult
- 4: Affected part(s) rigid in flexion or extension
References
2 Bohannon RW and Smith MB; 1987:Physical Therapy, 67(2), 206–207
Notes and References
- Ansari. NN. Naghdi. S. Arab. TK. Jalaie. S. The interrater and intrarater reliability of the Modified Ashworth Scale in the assessment of muscle spasticity: limb and muscle group effect.. NeuroRehabilitation. 2008. 23. 3. 231–7. 10.3233/NRE-2008-23304. 18560139.
