Grading Muscle Tone with Ashworth Scale
Grading Muscle Tone with Ashworth Scale
MUSCULAR
ASHWORTH SCALE
It is a scale used to measure the degree of spasticity in a person's muscles.
Good muscle tone depends on the state of the nerve tissues and their connections. The scale was developed
In 1964. When using the Ashworth scale, the patient is observed and values from 0 to 4 are assigned.
what do the following mean:
Normal muscle tone is characterized by a smooth and even passive movement in the joints.
Mild hypertonia
It consists of an increase in muscle tone with 'stopping' in the passive movement of the limb, with
a minimal resistance in less than half of its range of motion.
Moderate hypertonia
It is an increase in muscle tone during most of the range of motion, although it can still
move the affected area passively with ease.
4. Intense hypertonia
In these cases, a prominent increase in muscle tone is observed, with difficulty in performing the
passive movements.
5. Extreme hypertonia
The affected area remains stiff, both for flexion and extension.
One of the uses of the Ashworth scale is that it can be used to observe the effect of the
medications against thespasticity in multiple sclerosiskeeping track of the scores
on the scale before and after therapy.
Level 0: No increase in muscle tone (normal).
Level 1: Mild increase in muscle tone (minimal resistance to passive movement).
Level 2: Moderate increase in muscle tone.
Level 3: Considerable increase in muscle tone.
Level 4: Rigidity in flexion or extension.
Simplicity
It is simple and easy to use, but it can be subjective due to the lack of clear descriptions at each level.
Approach
The Modified Ashworth Scale focuses on improving the consistency and objectivity of the assessment by
Add clear descriptions for each level of resistance.
Evaluation Degrees
The Modified Scale provides clearer descriptions and guidelines to help evaluators assign a
level of spasticity with greater accuracy and consistency.
KENDALL SCALE
It is a tool used in the field of physiotherapy and kinesiology to assess and measure function.
muscular in relation to a specific resistance. This scale was described by the Kendall couple in
1936 and has become a widely used reference in the assessment of muscle tone and the
muscle strength.
The scale consists of different degrees or levels ranging from 0 to 5, and is used to measure resistance.
muscular in different movements and positions. Each degree of the scale is assigned according to the
patient's ability to move or maintain a certain position against an applied resistance
the therapist.
DESCRIPTION
E
90 - 100 % Full muscle against gravity and maximum resistance
70 - 80 % Full muscle against gravity and moderate resistance
60% Full muscle against gravity and minimal resistance
Grade 0: Absence of muscle contraction.
Grade 1: Weak muscle contraction without joint movement.
Grade 2: Joint movement possible with the removal of gravity.
Grade 3: Possible joint movement against gravity.
Grade 4: Joint movement possible against gravity and with moderate resistance.
Grade 5: Possible joint movement against gravity and with maximum resistance.
DANIELS SCALE
The scale configuration is based on a numerical criterion from 0 to 5. In addition, each digit is
supplement with a qualitative report with mentions: normal, good, regular, deficient, remnants of
activity and null.
These qualitative references and the subsequent assignment of numerical values arise after conducting a
patient a series of physical tests. One is the break test where manual resistance is applied to
muscle group to observe and analyze its contraction capacity. Another is the active resistance test.
which consists of applying manual resistance against the muscle group that is in a state of
active contraction.
According to the scales mentioned above, the professionals dedicated to the work of the
Physiotherapy has more tools to carry out its activity. In this way, with each category
they can evaluate the muscle's ability to contract.
According to the numbering of the scale, different states of muscle function can be recognized:
At value 1, there is muscle contraction that can be seen and felt, but there is no movement of the muscle.
With the 3, the reference is that the muscle has movement and the only resistance it achieves is against
gravity.
For the value 4, the muscle has contraction and complete mobility. At the same time, in addition to achieving resistance in
against gravity also does so towards a moderate manual resistance.
How is it valued?
It is assessed by inserting 2 fingers intravaginally or rectally depending on the case. The patient is instructed.
that contracts as if one wanted to avoid a urine leak or the release of gas, and this way it is measured the
muscle contraction strength, based on the previous image.
If the patient is also asked to hold the active contraction for as long as possible, it would be evaluated.
the strength of the muscles and the information obtained can be completed using the Perfecto scale
MRC SCALE
MRC stands for Medical Research Council, which is the institution
what the standard establishes for muscle strength tests.
MICROFET-2
It is a device that incorporates a precision microprocessor and an anatomical and ergonomic design for
allow a precise and objective study of muscular strength.
It is calibrated in Newtons and in pounds.
It allows the incorporation of three adapters to fit practically all groups.
muscular. Their feeding is done by batteries and allows the fixation of thresholds.
New ergonomic design
Digital screen
Upper and lower thresholds.
Two scales
Three applicators.
MYOTEST COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM FOR OBJECTIVE MUSCLE EVALUATION
The system consists of a dynamometer, accessories, software, interface, and instruction CD-ROM.
Provides great assistance in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of injuries and muscle syndromes.
Double inclinometers
Muscle Strength Dynamometers
Goniometers
Algometers
Grip Dynamometers
Pressure dynamometers
Muscle Gauges.