Which statement describes MAS 3?

Which statement describes MAS 3?

• A. Detects absence of increased tone.
• B. Detects slight increase in muscle tone; catch-and-release.
• C. Detects more marked increase in tone; movement may be slowed.
• D. Detects considerable increase in tone; passive movement difficult.

Answer: (D)

Spasticity is assessed by how much resistance you feel when moving a limb passively, using a scale that goes from no increase in tone to very stiff, almost rigid movement. MAS 3 describes a considerable increase in tone, such that passive movement is difficult to perform. This matches the statement that notes a substantial tone rise with movement being hard to do. The other descriptions correspond to milder levels: no increase (MAS 0), a slight increase with a catch and release (MAS 1 or 1+), and a more marked increase where movement is still possible but slowed (MAS 2).

Spasticity is assessed by how much resistance you feel when moving a limb passively, using a scale that goes from no increase in tone to very stiff, almost rigid movement. MAS 3 describes a considerable increase in tone, such that passive movement is difficult to perform. This matches the statement that notes a substantial tone rise with movement being hard to do. The other descriptions correspond to milder levels: no increase (MAS 0), a slight increase with a catch and release (MAS 1 or 1+), and a more marked increase where movement is still possible but slowed (MAS 2).