Biomechanical investigation of the modified Tardieu Scale in assessing knee extensor spasticity poststroke

ObjectiveThe modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) is a clinical tool for the measurement of muscle spasticity. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the MTS and the slope of the work-velocity curve as a biomechanical measure in assessing knee extensor muscle spasticity in patients with stroke. MethodsThirty patients with stroke (22 female, 8 male; mean age 55.412.0years) participated in this study. The knee extensor spasticity was assessed with the MTS. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to move the knee passively from full extension to 90 degrees flexion at speeds of 60 degrees/s, 120 degrees/s, 180 degrees/s, and 240 degrees/s to collect torque-angle data. The slope of the work-velocity curve was calculated using linear regression [J/(degrees/s)]. ResultsThe mean of R2-R1 component of MTS was 19.73 (SD 29.85). The mean work significantly decreased as the speed increased (p<.001). The mean (SD) slope for the work-velocity curve was -0.83 (SD 0.73, range -2.6-0.3). There was no significant relationship between the R-2-R-1 and the slope of work-velocity curve (r=0.09, p=.62). ConclusionsThe lack of significant relationship between the MTS and the slope of work-velocity curve may question the usefulness of the MTS as a valid measure of muscle spasticity after stroke.