Which description best corresponds to Modified Ashworth Scale grade 4?

Which description best corresponds to Modified Ashworth Scale grade 4?

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

Answer: (A)

The Modified Ashworth Scale measures how much resistance there is when you move a limb passively to gauge spasticity. The highest grade describes a limb that is rigid and cannot be moved at all, reflecting severe, sustained muscle tone. That’s why the description “limb rigid; cannot be moved” fits best for the highest grade on this scale. The other descriptions correspond to lower levels of tone: no resistance means normal or minimal tone, slight resistance with a catch indicates mild spasticity, and a strong catch at a particular angle does not imply full rigidity.

The Modified Ashworth Scale measures how much resistance there is when you move a limb passively to gauge spasticity. The highest grade describes a limb that is rigid and cannot be moved at all, reflecting severe, sustained muscle tone. That’s why the description “limb rigid; cannot be moved” fits best for the highest grade on this scale. The other descriptions correspond to lower levels of tone: no resistance means normal or minimal tone, slight resistance with a catch indicates mild spasticity, and a strong catch at a particular angle does not imply full rigidity.