Manual Muscle Testing

Question 1

What is MMT?

Answer 1

A procedure for the evaluation of strength of individual muscles or muscle groups based on effective performance of movement in relation to gravity or manual resistance through the available ROM.

Question 2

What does MMT follow?

Answer 2

ROM assessment

Question 3

What does MMT measure?

Answer 3

the maximal contraction of a muscle or muscle group

Question 4

What are 3 purposes of MMT?

Answer 4

1. Determine amount of muscle power
2. Baseline for intervention
3. Determine impact on occupations
4. Prevent deformities
5. Determine AT need
6. Assist in selection of occupations
7. Evaluate intervention

Question 5

What are the limitations of MMT?

Answer 5

cannot measure muscle endurance, coordination or performance capability

Question 6

What is the procedure of MMT?

Answer 6

1. Position
2. Stabilise
3. Palpate
4. Observe
5. Resist “break test”
6. Grade

Question 7

Name 3 contraindications of MMT

Answer 7

1. Inflammation or pain
2. Dislocation or unhealed fracture
3. Recent surgery (particularly musculoskeletal)
4. Myositis ossifications
5. Fragile bone condition
6. Tone problems
7. Not performed on children

Question 8

Name 3 precautions of MMT

Answer 8

1. Osteoporosis
2. Subluxation or joint hyper mobility
3. Haemophilia
4. Cardiovascular
5. Abdominal surgery or hernia
6. Fatigue that exacerbates condition

Question 9

What tool is used to test grip strength?

Answer 9

dynamometer

Question 10

What tool is used to test pinch strength?

Answer 10

Pinch gauge

Question 11

Are grip and pinch strength tests valid?

Answer 11

Yes

Question 12

How long do grip and pinch strength tests take to administer?

Answer 12

5 minutes

Question 13

True or false: Grip and Pinch strength tests do not have good test-retest and inter-rater reliability?

Answer 13

False

Question 14

True of false: Dynamometers and pinch gauges need to be calibrated regularly

Answer 14

True

Question 15

What are the 5 factors affecting grip and pinch strength assessment?

Answer 15

1. Gender
2. Age
3. Hand dominance
4. Position of shoulder, elbow, forearm and wrist
5. Position of body (sitting or standing).