Reliability of the Modified Tardieu Scale for Measuring Spasticity in Stroke Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Priyanka Singh, Joshua Abraham, Ganeshan Sailakshmi, Suresh Sucharitha
Primary Institution: Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences
Hypothesis
The study investigates the intra-rater reliability of the Modified Tardieu Scale in measuring spasticity in elbow flexors and ankle plantar flexors in adult stroke subjects.
Conclusion
The Modified Tardieu Scale is a reliable clinical tool for measuring spasticity in the elbow flexors and ankle plantar flexors in adult stroke patients.
Supporting Evidence
- The study included 91 adult stroke subjects, providing a robust sample size for reliability testing.
- Intra-rater reliability for elbow flexors and ankle plantar flexors showed very good agreement with ICC values above 0.85.
- The Modified Tardieu Scale was administered by a trained physiotherapist, ensuring consistency in measurement.
- Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with ICC used to assess reliability.
- Participants were medically stable and able to follow instructions, ensuring the validity of the results.
- Exclusion criteria were applied to ensure that only suitable candidates were included in the study.
- The study's findings support the use of the Modified Tardieu Scale in clinical settings for assessing spasticity.
Takeaway
This study shows that a specific test can reliably measure stiffness in the arms and legs of stroke patients, helping doctors understand their condition better.
Methodology
A test-retest design was used to assess intra-rater reliability of the Modified Tardieu Scale in 91 adult stroke subjects over two sessions.
Limitations
The study's limitations include a short interval of two days between assessments and potential challenges in achieving a relaxed state in subjects.
Participant Demographics
{"age_mean":64.0,"age_range":"45-80","gender_distribution":{"men":54,"women":37},"type_of_stroke":{"ischemic":61,"hemorrhagic":30},"side_of_involvement":{"right":49,"left":42},"duration_of_illness_mean":57.5,"duration_of_illness_range":"32-78","MMSE_score_mean":27.3,"MMSE_score_range":"27-29"}
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: ICC values range from 0.847 to 0.998
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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