On the Tardieu scale, what describes grade 4?

On the Tardieu scale, what describes grade 4?

• A. Limb rigid; cannot be moved.
• B. No resistance to passive movement.
• C. Slight resistance at fast velocity.
• D. Clear catch at a specific angle.

Answer: (A)

On the Tardieu scale, spasticity is judged by how the muscle resists a fast passive stretch. Grade 4 represents the most severe end of this spectrum: the muscle is so tight that the limb becomes rigid and cannot be moved at all by the examiner. This means the resistance is sustained throughout the movement, not just a brief “catch.” In contrast, no resistance to passive movement means no spasticity (normal or grade 0). A slight resistance with a catch during the fast stretch indicates mild spasticity (a lower grade), and a clear catch at a specific angle shows a discrete, intermittent resistance that is not as severe as rigidity.

On the Tardieu scale, spasticity is judged by how the muscle resists a fast passive stretch. Grade 4 represents the most severe end of this spectrum: the muscle is so tight that the limb becomes rigid and cannot be moved at all by the examiner. This means the resistance is sustained throughout the movement, not just a brief “catch.”

In contrast, no resistance to passive movement means no spasticity (normal or grade 0). A slight resistance with a catch during the fast stretch indicates mild spasticity (a lower grade), and a clear catch at a specific angle shows a discrete, intermittent resistance that is not as severe as rigidity.