ABSTRACT
This chapter is a comprehensive reference manual providing information on the Tardieu Scale (TS), which is an objective test that aims to measure spasticity, defined as a velocity dependent increase in muscle tone. The scale rates spasticity as the difference between the reactions of a muscle to stretch at a slow and a fast speed. A brief history of the instrument's development is provided, along with a description of item content and administration/scoring procedures. Psychometric properties are reviewed and a critical commentary is provided. Key references are cited and in most cases the actual scale is included, giving the reader easy access to the instrument.
