[Test-retest reliability of lower extremity spasticity assessment with modified Tardieu scale in hemiparetic patients after chronic stroke]

ABSTRACT

Spasticity is a motor disorder characterized by a velocity dependent increase in tonic stretch reflex and tendon jerks, due to the hyper-excitability of the stretch reflex. Modified Tardieu Scale [MTS] is a clinical tool for assessment of spasticity. The purpose of this study was to investigate intra-rater reliability of the MTS for knee extensors and ankle plantar flexors muscles in adult subjects with chronic stroke. In an analytical cross sectional study, 17 participants [10 men, 7 women] with age range of 40-76 years and mean time post stroke of 20/79 [SD=20/55] in a convenient sampling took part in this test-retest study. Intra-rater reliability of spasticity with MTS was investigated by one un-experienced physiotherapist for knee extensors and ankle plantar flexors in two sessions over one week. Interclass correlation coefficient [ICC] values for R2-R1 as an indicator of spasticity in knee extensor and plantar flexors was good [ICC=0/66] and very good [ICC=0/87] and for knee extensors and ankle plantar flexors quality of muscle reaction was 0.80 and 0.92 respectively. The MTS has a good reliability in spasticity assessment of knee extensors and ankle plantar muscles after stroke. Probably MTS can be used as a reliable clinical tool to measure spasticity of lower extremity muscles in adult subjects with chronic stroke.