Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)

About

The Modified Ashworth Scale is a frequently used tool among Physiatrists, Neurologists, Physical therapists, and Occupational Therapists to classify the degree of spasticity and increased muscle tone in patients with upper motor neuron syndromes. It is commonly applied in patients with Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain injury. Although it is a somewhat subjective tool, if used properly it is useful for qualifying and monitoring response to treatment over time in patients with spasticity.

To use place the patient in a supine position. If testing a muscle that primarily flexes a joint, place the joint in a maximally flexed position and move to a position of maximal extension over one second. If testing a muscle that primarily extends a joint, place the joint in a maximally extended position and move to a position of maximal flexion over one second.

References

Bohannon RW, Smith MB.

Physical Therapy 1987, 67 (2): 206-7

The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) calculator is created by QxMD.

By using this site you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to be bound by our terms of use and privacy policy. All content and tools are for educational use only, are not meant to be a substitute for professional advice and should not be used for medical diagnosis and/or medical treatment.

1. Clinical Description of Spasticity in Muscle being evaluated?

More Information

General Information: - Place the patient in a supine position If testing a muscle that primarily flexes a joint, place the joint in a maximally flexed position and move to a position of maximal extension over one second (count "one thousand one") If testing a muscle that primarily extends a joint, place the joint in a maximally extended position and move to a position of maximal flexion over one second (count "one thousand one") Score based on the classification above

0/1 completed