Introduction: Cerebral palsy or static encephalopathy as a permanent and unprogressing impairment of developing brain, results in overactivity of the stretch reflex. Standarised Modified Ashworth Scale can be used for subjective assessment of a velocity-dependent response of muscle to passive stretching, (i.e. spasticity). Purpose: The aim of this work was to evaluate intra- and interrater reliability of modified Ashworth scale and concurrent validity of modified Ashworth scale in comparison to Tardieu scale in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: 24 children with cerebral palsy were subjected. Intra- and interrater reliability was assessed with Modified Ashworth Scale. Outcomes of Tardieu Scale were added for assessment of concurrent validity. For the assessment of reliability and concurrent validity, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used. Furthermore, Spearman's correlation coefficient for validity was tested. All the assessed muscles were included in the calculation, regardless of the anatomical classification of physical impairment. Results: Intrarater reliability in our sample was excellent in all investigating muscle (ICC = 0,91– 0,99). Good interrater reliability in the sample was observed, with intraclass correlation coefficient from 0,80 to 0,89. Moderate positive correlation in all investigating muscles between Tardieu scale and modified Ashworth scale has been calculated. Discussion and conclusion: The outcomes of our research confirmed excellent intrarater reliability in the sample. Interrater reliability in the sample was assessed as good. In the sample moderate positive correlation was confirmed. For the generalization of the outcomes on population level, statistical analysis should be repeated in a larger sample. An unification, restandardization of the scale, including more objective, quantitative definition of spasticity should be considered in further research.
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