Modified Tardieu Scale
What It Measures
The Modified Tardieu Scale separates two things that feel identical to the examining hand. If a limb resists being moved, is that spasticity — a stretch reflex firing — or is it a contracture, a muscle that has simply shortened? The answer changes the treatment entirely.
The scale answers it by moving the joint at different speeds. R2 is the full passive range measured as slowly as possible, when no stretch reflex is triggered. R1 is the angle where a catch appears when the same joint is moved as fast as possible. The difference between them, R2 minus R1, is the part that is neural and therefore has room to change. A small difference points to fixed contracture instead.
Further Reading
Additional Notes
Licensing Notes: The scale is reproduced without restriction across clinical resources and trial protocols. Equipment is a goniometer.
Learn More: Alongside the angles, the examiner grades the quality of muscle reaction at fast velocity, including level of resistance, presence of a catch, clonus under or over 10 seconds, and when joint is immobile. Must name the protocol used for transferability.
