Objective: To compare the Tardieu Scale as a clinical measure of spasticity after stroke with the Ashworth Scale.
Design: Cross-sectional study.
Participants: Sixteen people, living in the community three years after their stroke.
Main Measures: The Ashworth Scale and Tardieu Scale as well as laboratory measures of spasticity (stretch-induced electromyographic (EMG) activity) and contracture (maximum passive joint excursion) were collected from the affected elbow flexors and extensors and ankle plantarflexors and dorsiflexors by three examiners who were blinded to the results of the other measures.
Results: The percentage exact agreement (PEA) between the Tardieu Scale and a laboratory measure of spasticity was 100% for both the elbow flexors and ankle plantarflexors. This was significantly (P= 0.02) greater than the PEA of 63% for both muscles between the Ashworth Scale and the same laboratory measure of spasticity. For contracture, the PEA between the Tardieu Scale and a laboratory measure was 94% for both the elbow flexors and the ankle plantarflexors. Pearson correlation coefficients between the Tardieu Scale and laboratory measures of spasticity were 0.86 for the elbow flexors and 0.62 for the ankle plantarflexors and between the Tardieu Scale and laboratory measures of contracture were 0.89 for the elbow flexors and 0.84 for the ankle plantarflexors.
Conclusion: In all cases that spasticity was overestimated by the Ashworth Scale, participants had a contracture. These findings suggest that the Tardieu Scale differentiates spasticity from contracture whereas the Ashworth Scale is confounded by it.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1191/0269215506cr922oa | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with extracorporeal shockwave therapy for poststroke spasticity: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
BMJ Open
January 2025
Department of Rehabilitation, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
Introduction: Spasticity is a common complication of stroke, which is related to poor motor recovery and limitations in the performance of activities. Both transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) are effective treatment methods for poststroke spasticity (PSS). However, there is no existing study exploring the safety and effectiveness of TMS combined with ESWT for PSS.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe distribution and severity of lower-limb hypertonicity and spasticity differentially impacts walking speed in people with neurological injuries.
Disabil Rehabil
December 2024
Department of Physiotherapy, Epworth HealthCare, Melbourne, Australia.
Purpose: To investigate the relationship between the distribution and severity of hypertonicity and spasticity on walking speed in people with neurological injuries.
Material/methods: This cross-sectional observation cohort study used the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) to assess hypertonicity and spasticity of the gastrocnemius, soleus, hamstrings and quadriceps. Participants were classified as having a distal (gastrocnemius and/or soleus), proximal (hamstrings and/or quadriceps) or mixed distribution of hypertonicity or spasticity.
The Lack of Effect of Botulinum Toxin-A on Upper Limb Activity in Chronic Stroke: A Short Report from the InTENSE Trial.
Toxins (Basel)
November 2024
Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
Article Synopsis
- This study analyzed the effects of botulinum toxin-A on upper limb issues in chronic stroke survivors, focusing on those with significant spasticity.
- The research involved 71 stroke survivors and measured changes in various outcomes, including upper limb activity, spasticity, and grip strength, before and three months after treatment.
- Results showed no significant improvement in any of the measured outcomes, indicating that botulinum toxin-A may not be beneficial for improving upper limb function in this patient group with severe activity limitations.
Efficacy and Safety of OnabotulinumtoxinA for the Treatment of Pediatric Upper and Lower Limb Spasticity: Results From 2 Open-Label, Long-term Extension Trials.
J Child Neurol
December 2024
Department of Global Development, Allergan, an AbbVie Company, Irvine, CA, USA.
Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of onabotulinumtoxinA for treating upper and lower limb spasticity among pediatric patients in 2 open-label extension trials.
Methods: Patients aged <18 years received ≤5 doses of onabotulinumtoxinA (maximum: 8 U/kg [300 U], cycle 1; 10 U/kg [340 U], cycles 2-5) over 60 weeks. Week 6 efficacy endpoints included mean change from baseline in Modified Ashworth Scale-Bohannon and Modified Tardieu Scale scores, and mean Clinical Global Impression of Overall Change score.
Clinical Outcome Assessments for Spasticity: Review, Critique, and Recommendations.
Mov Disord
December 2024
Department of Neurology and Centre of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
Background: Spasticity is a common feature in patients with disruptions in corticospinal pathways. However, the term is used ambiguously. Here, spasticity is defined as enhanced velocity-dependent stretch reflexes and placed within the context of deforming spastic paresis encompassing other forms of muscle overactivity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!