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Tardieu Scale

The Tardieu Scale is used to measure spasticity by passively moving a limb at three different velocities (V1, V2, V3) and recording the muscle's resistance on a scale of 0 to 5. A higher number indicates greater resistance. The angle at which resistance occurs is also noted. Evaluating movement at different velocities can help distinguish passive stiffness from spasticity.

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Phuntsog Angmo
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343 views1 page

Tardieu Scale

The Tardieu Scale is used to measure spasticity by passively moving a limb at three different velocities (V1, V2, V3) and recording the muscle's resistance on a scale of 0 to 5. A higher number indicates greater resistance. The angle at which resistance occurs is also noted. Evaluating movement at different velocities can help distinguish passive stiffness from spasticity.

Uploaded by

Phuntsog Angmo
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Tardieu Scale

This test is performed with patient in the supine position, with head in midline.
Measurements take place at 3 velocities (V1, V2, and V3). Responses are recorded at each
velocity as X/Y, with X indicating the 0 to 5 rating, and Y indicating the degree of angle at
which the muscle reaction occurs.By moving the limb at different velocities, the response to
stretch can be more easily gauged since the stretch reflex responds differently to velocity.

Velocities:

V1: As slow as possible, slower than the natural drop of the limb segment under
gravity
V2: Speed of limb segment falling under gravity
V3: As fast as possible, faster than the rate of the natural drop of the limb segment
under gravity

Scoring:

0 No resistance throughout the course of the passive movement


1 Slight resistance throughout the course of passive movement, no clear
catch at a precise angle
2 Clear catch at a precise angle, interrupting the passive movement, followed
by release
3 Fatigable clonus with less than 10 seconds when maintaining the pressure
and appearing at the precise angle
4 Unfatigable clonus with more than 10 seconds when maintaining the
pressure and appearing at a precise angle
5 Joint is immovable

Example:

When testing spasticity of the hamstring at the speed V1, place the patient in the supine
position.Flex the hip to 90 degrees, with the opposite hip extended (as for popliteal angle
test).Beginning with the knee flexed, extend the knee as slowly as possible.If a clear catch
interrupts the passive movement at -70 degrees of extension, followed by a release
facilitating further extension to -50 degrees of extension, then the Tardieu V1 score would
be 2/-70. The rating would be repeated for V2 and V3 velocities. Evaluating movement of a
part at different velocities may help distinguish passive stiffness from spasticity.

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