Muscle Testing

Question 1

When do we perform the muscle tests?

Answer 1

Objective Exam

Question 2

What are the two types of Muscle Testing?

Answer 2

• Muscle Length Testing

- Muscle Strength Testing

Question 3

What is a type of Muscle Length Test?

Answer 3

Flexibility Tests

Question 4

What are types of Muscle Strength Testing?

Answer 4

• Manual Muscle Testing (MMT)

- Resisted Isometric Tests

Question 5

What is the purpose of the Muscle Length Testing (Flexibility Test) ?

Answer 5

To determine if range of muscle length is normal, limited, or excessive

Question 6

What is the most commonly performed procedure for Muscle strength testing?

Answer 6

MMT

Question 7

What are the indications for Muscle Strength Testing?

Answer 7

• Diagnosis of peripheral nerve injury or nerve root injury
• Effects of spinal cord injury and potential recovery
• Basis for treatment planning and prognosis
• Provide measure for treatment progress
• Basis for supportive devices/ orthoses (orthotic)

Question 8

What are the MMT General Procedures?

Answer 8

1. Position Patient
2. Explanation/ PROM
3. Screen Test/ AROM
4. Palpate
5. Apply Resistance
6. Grade

Question 9

What are the goals for grading of MMT?

Answer 9

• Attempt to express strength objectively
• Consider age, gender differences
• Name and number grades
• Gravity Lessened (Gravity minimized position)
• Against Gravity

Question 10

What are some factors that can reduce the grading accuracy?

Answer 10

• Pain
• Limited joint ROM
• Muscle Hypertonicity/ Spasticity
• Others: Fatigue, cognition, cultural/ social norms