Modified Ashworth Scale
A six-point ordinal scale used in rehabilitation to clinically grade the degree of spasticity or muscle tone in patients with neurological conditions.
Full Definition
The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) is a widely used clinical tool for grading muscle spasticity, ranging from 0 (no increase in muscle tone) to 4 (affected part rigid in flexion or extension). It was adapted from the original Ashworth Scale in 1987 by Bohannon and Smith to add a grade 1+ category. In rehabilitation documents, editors should ensure 'Modified Ashworth Scale' is capitalised as a proper noun and abbreviated MAS only after full definition. A common editorial error is omitting 'Modified', resulting in confusion with the original Ashworth Scale. MAS scores should be expressed numerically with a slash notation (e.g., '2/4') only when the document style guide specifies this format.
Usage
Usage note: Always include 'Modified' to distinguish from the original Ashworth Scale. Capitalise all words as a proper noun. Abbreviate as MAS only after first-use definition.
In Context
- "Elbow flexor tone was rated 1+ on the Modified Ashworth Scale bilaterally." — Spasticity clinic assessment form
- "Inter-rater reliability of the Modified Ashworth Scale was assessed prior to data collection." — Clinical research protocol