Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS)

Measure of Dynamic Response of muscle tone

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Keywords

Tardieu Scale, Modified Tardieu Scale

2 measurements:

1. Quality of muscle reaction
2. Angle of muscle reaction

3 speed definitions:

1. V1 is slow as possible
2. V2 speed of limb falling under gravity
3. V3 moving as fast as possible

Table 1: Quality of Muscle Reaction Scoring

Grade	Criteria
0	No resistance throughout the course of the passive movement
1	Slight resistance throughout the course of the passive movement, followed by release
2	Clear catch at precise angle, interrupting the passive movement, followed by release
3	Fatigable clonus <10 seconds when maintaining pressure occurring at precise angle
4	Infatigable clonus >10 seconds when maintaining pressure occurring at precise angle

Table 2: Measuring Angle of Catch

R1	Angle of muscle reaction at high speed (V3) The angle at which the catch/clonus occurs
R2	Full ROM at slow speed (V1)

\[ \textrm{Dynamic Tone Component} = R2 - R1 \]