None of the review ed measurement tools demonstrated satisfactory results for all psychometric properties evaluated , and the majority lacked evidence concerning validity and absolute reliability .
This systematic review found limited evidence to support the use of most of clinical measures of spasticity for people post-stroke .
This review identified various clinical measures of spasticity that have been investigated in people after stroke .
PURPOSE To identify and appraise the literature on clinical measures of spasticity that has been investigated in people after stroke .
The relation between Ashworth scale scores and the excitability of the α motor neurones in patients with post-stroke muscle spasticity
Background : The  modified Ashworth scale ( MAS )  is the most widely used method for assessing muscle spasticity in clinical practice and research . However , the validity of this scale has been challenged . Objectives : To compare the MAS with objective neurophysiological tests of spasticity . Methods : The MAS was recorded in patients with post-stroke lower limb muscle spasticity and correlated with the excitability of the α motor neurones . The latter was evaluated by measuring the latency of the Hoffmann reflex ( H reflex ) and the ratio of the amplitude of the maximum H reflex ( Hmax ) to that of the compound action motor potential of the soleus muscle ( Mmax ) . Results : Data on 24 r and omly recruited patients were analysed . Patients were divided into two groups according to their MAS score : 14 had a MAS score of 1 ( group A ) and 10 scored 2 ( group B ) . The two groups were comparable with respect to age and sex , but in group A there was a longer period since the stroke . The H reflex latency was reduced and the Hmax : Mmax ratio was increased in both groups . The Hmax : Mmax ratio values were higher for group B but the differences were not statistically significant . Conclusions : There is a relation between the  MAS  scores and α motor neurone excitability , although it is not linear . This suggests that the MAS measures muscle hypertonia rather than spasticity
None of the review ed measurement tools demonstrated satisfactory results for all psychometric properties evaluated , and the majority lacked evidence concerning validity and absolute reliability .
This systematic review found limited evidence to support the use of most of clinical measures of spasticity for people post-stroke .
This review identified various clinical measures of spasticity that have been investigated in people after stroke .
PURPOSE To identify and appraise the literature on clinical measures of spasticity that has been investigated in people after stroke .