A biomechanical investigation into the validity of the modified ashworth scale as a measure of elbow spasticity

Authors: Pandyan, A.D., Price, C.I.M., Barnes, M.P. and Johnson, G.R.

Journal: Clinical Rehabilitation

Volume: 17

Issue: 3

Pages: 290-294

ISSN: 0269-2155

DOI: 10.1191/0269215503cr610oa

Abstract:

Objective: To investigate the criterion validity of the modified Ashworth Scale. Population: Volunteers from a stroke population admitted to a district general hospital stroke unit diagnosed with a first ever stroke less than 26 weeks previously. Outcome measures: Resistance to passive movement about the elbow was simultaneously quantified (biomechanically) and graded (modified Ashworth Scale). Passive range of movement and peak instantaneous velocity during passive movement were also measured. Analysis: Criterion validity was investigated as convergent construct validity (using the Spearman's correlation coefficient) and concurrent validity (using analysis of variance). Results: One hundred measurements were taken on 63 subjects. Correlation between the modified Ashworth Scale and resistance to passive movement was 0.511. Resistance to passive movement and velocity showed significant differences between the modified Ashworth score of '0' and a modified Ashworth score greater than '0' (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between MAS '1', '1+' and '2'. Resistance to passive movement in the impaired arm was significantly higher than in the nonimpaired arm (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The modified Ashworth Scale does not provide a valid measure of spasticity at lower grades but it may provide a measure of resistance to passive movement.

Source: Scopus

A biomechanical investigation into the validity of the modified Ashworth Scale as a measure of elbow spasticity.

Authors: Pandyan, A.D., Price, C.I.M., Barnes, M.P. and Johnson, G.R.

Journal: Clin Rehabil

Volume: 17

Issue: 3

Pages: 290-293

ISSN: 0269-2155

DOI: 10.1191/0269215503cr610oa

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the criterion validity of the modified Ashworth Scale. POPULATION: Volunteers from a stroke population admitted to a district general hospital stroke unit diagnosed with a first ever stroke less than 26 weeks previously. OUTCOME MEASURES: Resistance to passive movement about the elbow was simultaneously quantified (biomechanically) and graded (modified Ashworth Scale). Passive range of movement and peak instantaneous velocity during passive movement were also measured. ANALYSIS: Criterion validity was investigated as convergent construct validity (using the Spearman's correlation coefficient) and concurrent validity (using analysis of variance). RESULTS: One hundred measurements were taken on 63 subjects. Correlation between the modified Ashworth Scale and resistance to passive movement was 0.511. Resistance to passive movement and velocity showed significant differences between the modified Ashworth score of '0' and a modified Ashworth score greater than '0' (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between MAS '1', '1+' and '2'. Resistance to passive movement in the impaired arm was significantly higher than in the nonimpaired arm (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The modified Ashworth Scale does not provide a valid measure of spasticity at lower grades but it may provide a measure of resistance to passive movement.

Source: PubMed

A biomechanical investigation into the validity of the modified Ashworth Scale as a measure of elbow spasticity

Authors: Pandyan, A.D., Price, C.I.M., Barnes, M.P. and Johnson, G.R.

Journal: CLINICAL REHABILITATION

Volume: 17

Issue: 3

Pages: 290-293

ISSN: 0269-2155

DOI: 10.1191/0269215503cr610oa

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

A biomechanical investigation into the validity of the modified Ashworth Scale as a measure of elbow spasticity.

Authors: Pandyan, A.D., Price, C.I.M., Barnes, M.P. and Johnson, G.R.

Journal: Clinical rehabilitation

Volume: 17

Issue: 3

Pages: 290-293

eISSN: 1477-0873

ISSN: 0269-2155

DOI: 10.1191/0269215503cr610oa

Abstract:

Objective

To investigate the criterion validity of the modified Ashworth Scale.

Population

Volunteers from a stroke population admitted to a district general hospital stroke unit diagnosed with a first ever stroke less than 26 weeks previously.

Outcome measures

Resistance to passive movement about the elbow was simultaneously quantified (biomechanically) and graded (modified Ashworth Scale). Passive range of movement and peak instantaneous velocity during passive movement were also measured.

Analysis

Criterion validity was investigated as convergent construct validity (using the Spearman's correlation coefficient) and concurrent validity (using analysis of variance).

Results

One hundred measurements were taken on 63 subjects. Correlation between the modified Ashworth Scale and resistance to passive movement was 0.511. Resistance to passive movement and velocity showed significant differences between the modified Ashworth score of '0' and a modified Ashworth score greater than '0' (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between MAS '1', '1+' and '2'. Resistance to passive movement in the impaired arm was significantly higher than in the nonimpaired arm (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The modified Ashworth Scale does not provide a valid measure of spasticity at lower grades but it may provide a measure of resistance to passive movement.

Source: Europe PubMed Central