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Mnemonics, Simplified Concepts & Thoughts

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Mnemonics, Simplified Concepts & Thoughts

Modified Ashworth Scale for Spasticity : Mnemonic

Dr. Sulabh Kumar Shrestha, MS Orthopedics, May 1, 2022May 1, 2022

Ashworth scale tests resistance to passive motion about a joint with varying degrees of velocity. Modified Ashworth Scale (Bohannon and Smith, 1987) has 1+ grading between grades 1 and 2. Modified Ashworth Scale (Ansari et.al., 2006) has been described here.

Mnemonic: Ashworth is a juggling clown

ashworth scale mnemonic

0 : 0 is nothing (normal muscle tone)

1 : 1stly he needs to CATCH the balls to juggle (slightly increased tone, CATCHES near end of ROM)

2 : Juggling 2 balls is EASY (markedly increased tone, CATCH in middle ROM, but affected part EASILY moved)

3 : Juggling 3 balls is DIFFICULT (considerable increased tone, DIFFICULT Passive ROM)

4 : Juggling 4 balls is IMPOSSIBLE (rigid in flexion and extension)

Modified from: https://www.coursehero.com/u/file/88213141/Ashworthpdf/

dr. sulabh kumar shrestha
Dr. Sulabh Kumar Shrestha, MS Orthopedics

He is the section editor of Orthopedics in Epomedicine. He searches for and share simpler ways to make complicated medical topics simple. He also loves writing poetry, listening and playing music. He is currently pursuing Fellowship in Hip, Pelvi-acetabulum and Arthroplasty at B&B Hospital.

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Shrestha SK. Modified Ashworth Scale for Spasticity : Mnemonic [Internet]. Epomedicine; 2022 May 1 [cited 2026 Jul 10]. Available from: https://epomedicine.com/clinical-medicine/modified-ashworth-scale-for-spasticity-mnemonic/.

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