SCI - Modified Ashworth Scale and tests

Question 1

What is the Modified Ashworth Scale

Answer 1

The MAS is a 6 point scale that measures resistance during passive soft-tissue stretching and is used as a simple measure of spasticity

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

Question 2

MAS 0

Answer 2

No increase in muscle tone

Question 3

MAS 1

Answer 3

Slight increase in muscle tone, manifested by a catch and release, or by minimal resistance at the end of the ROM when the affected part(s) is moved into flexion or extension.

(catch and release at the end of ROM)

Question 4

MAS 1+

Answer 4

Slight increase in muscle tone, manifested by a catch, followed by minimal resistance throughout the remainder (less than half) of the ROM.

(Catch and some resistance for less than half of ROM)

Question 5

MAS 2

Answer 5

More marked increase in muscle tone through most of the ROM, but affected part(s) easily moved.

(increase of muscle tone throughout)

Question 6

MAS 3

Answer 6

Considerable increase in muscle tone, passive movement difficult.

(Passive ROM difficult)

Question 7

MAS 4

Answer 7

Affected part(s) rigid in flexion or extension

Completely rigid

Question 8

Spasticity is caused by

Answer 8

Lack of inhibition from higher levels

Question 9

UMN Syndrome:

(+) Symptoms of Spasticity

Answer 9

Positive Symptoms (Abnormal Behaviors)

Hyperreflexia
Clonus
Spasms
Postural abnormalities

More likely to respond to anti-spasticity txs

Question 10

UMN Syndrome:

(-) Symptoms of Spasticity

Answer 10

Negative Symptoms (Performance Deficits)
Weakness
Incoordination
Fatigue
Pain

Question 11

Babinski Reflex
How is this done
What is a negative and positive response

Answer 11

Stroke the outside of the sole from heel to toe with a pointed object.

Normal (negative) response
Flexion and adduction of all the toes
Positive response
Great toe extension with abduction of toes 2-5

Question 12

Clonus
How is this done
What is a negative and positive response

Answer 12

A repetitive, rhythmic contraction of a muscle when held in a stretched state

Greater than 3 beats

Initiated in the spinal cord

Is usually a sign of damage to the nerve tracts above the place where stretch reflex is initiated

Question 13

Is clonus and myoclonus the same

Answer 13

Clonus ≠ myoclonus, which is irregular and uncontrollable jerks of a muscle or group of muscles