assessment of tone/length

Question 1

why measure

Answer 1

• decide on what type of treatment
• measure the effect of treatment
• understand mechanisms underlying change in function - if function has changed is it as a result of change in spasticity ?

Question 2

assessment of tone

Answer 2

• observe in resting position first

Question 3

test passive movements

Answer 3

• resistance to movement through range
• speed of movement- slow and fast
• range of movement - measured in degrees
• consider the starting position
• position of other joints

Question 4

Modified ashworth scale

Answer 4

• 0- no increase in tone
• 1- slight increase giving a catch and release or by minimal resistance at the end of ROM
• 1+/2 - slight increase in muscle tone, catch and release or minimal resistance throughout the reminder of ROM
• 2/3 more marked increase in muscle tone through most rom but affected parts easily moved
• 3/4- considerable increase in muscle tone, passive movement difficult
• 4/5 - affected parts ridgit in flexion of extension

Question 5

Scales

Answer 5

1. modified ashworth
2. tardieu

Question 6

tardieu scale

Answer 6

perform movement at 3 different velocities

0- no resistance throughout the course of the stretch
1- slight resistance through the course of the strech with no clear catch at any specific angle
2- clear catch at a specific angle, interuppting the stretch, followed by a release
3- clonus which lasts less than 10 seconds when maintaining the pressure, appearing at a specific angle
4- clonus which lasts more than 10 seconds when maintaining the pressure at a specific angle

Question 7

velocity of stretch & what they are used to test

Answer 7

V1- as slow as possible
V2- speed of the limb segment falling under gravity
V3- as fast as possible (faster than the rate of the natural drop of the limb segment under gravity)
.
V1- measures passive range
V2 & V3- rate spasticity