On the Tardieu scale, what describes grade 1?

On the Tardieu scale, what describes grade 1?

• A. No resistance to passive movement; normal tone.
• B. Limb rigid; cannot be moved.
• C. Slight resistance at fast velocity; minimal hypertonia.
• D. Strong catch at a specific angle, difficult to overcome.

Answer: (C)

The main idea tested is how spasticity is graded on the Tardieu scale, which looks at resistance to a passive stretch at different speeds to capture velocity-dependent tone. Spasticity is not the same at slow versus fast movements, so the scale notes a mild, quick-stretch resistance as a sign of minimal hypertonia. That’s why descriptors about slight resistance when the limb is moved fast align with the lowest level of spasticity on this scale. The other options describe either normal, no resistance, or more pronounced resistance or rigidity that would correspond to higher grades. So the statement about slight resistance at fast velocity and minimal hypertonia best matches the grade for mild spasticity on the Tardieu scale.

The main idea tested is how spasticity is graded on the Tardieu scale, which looks at resistance to a passive stretch at different speeds to capture velocity-dependent tone. Spasticity is not the same at slow versus fast movements, so the scale notes a mild, quick-stretch resistance as a sign of minimal hypertonia. That’s why descriptors about slight resistance when the limb is moved fast align with the lowest level of spasticity on this scale. The other options describe either normal, no resistance, or more pronounced resistance or rigidity that would correspond to higher grades. So the statement about slight resistance at fast velocity and minimal hypertonia best matches the grade for mild spasticity on the Tardieu scale.