Modified Ashworth Scale

Question 1

What are the scale number ratings?

Answer 1

0
1
1+
2
3
4

Question 2

What does each rating on the scale mean?

Answer 2

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 parts is moved in flexion or extension
1+: slight increase in muscle tone, manifested by a catch, followed by minimal resistance throughout the reminder (less than half) of the ROM
2: more marked increase in muscle tone through most of the ROM, but affected parts easily moved
3: considerable increase in muscle tone, passive movement difficult
4: affected parts rigid in flexion or extension