Which assessment uses the Tardieu angle to distinguish neural from mechanical contributions to resistance during a passive stretch?

Which assessment uses the Tardieu angle to distinguish neural from mechanical contributions to resistance during a passive stretch?

• A. PEDI
• B. 2 Minute Walk Test
• C. Modified Tardieu
• D. SCALE

Answer: (C)

Distinguishing neural from mechanical contributions to resistance during a passive stretch relies on how the joint responds at different stretch speeds. The Tardieu angle is derived from two measurements: the angle of catch when the joint is moved quickly (R1) and the angle of full range when moved slowly (R2). The difference between these angles (R2 minus R1), the Tardieu angle, tells you how much of the resistance is neural (spastic) versus mechanical (contracture). If R1 is much smaller than R2, neural spasticity is a major contributor; if R1 and R2 are similar, the limitation is more mechanical. The Modified Tardieu Scale is specifically designed to capture these fast and slow stretch angles and compute the Tardieu angle, making it the tool that distinguishes neural from mechanical contributions. The other assessments focus on function, endurance, or selective motor control and do not use the Tardieu angle for this purpose.

Distinguishing neural from mechanical contributions to resistance during a passive stretch relies on how the joint responds at different stretch speeds. The Tardieu angle is derived from two measurements: the angle of catch when the joint is moved quickly (R1) and the angle of full range when moved slowly (R2). The difference between these angles (R2 minus R1), the Tardieu angle, tells you how much of the resistance is neural (spastic) versus mechanical (contracture). If R1 is much smaller than R2, neural spasticity is a major contributor; if R1 and R2 are similar, the limitation is more mechanical. The Modified Tardieu Scale is specifically designed to capture these fast and slow stretch angles and compute the Tardieu angle, making it the tool that distinguishes neural from mechanical contributions. The other assessments focus on function, endurance, or selective motor control and do not use the Tardieu angle for this purpose.