Scribd
Upload
1K views2 pages

Manual Muscle Testing

Manual muscle testing (MMT) is a common physical therapy evaluation technique used to assess muscle strength. The therapist applies resistance as the patient attempts to move against gravity in specific ranges of motion. Muscle strength is graded on a scale from 0 to 5 based on the amount of resistance the muscle can overcome. While MMT provides a quick evaluation of isolated muscle strength, it does not always correlate with functional ability. Other functional tests should also be included in a full patient evaluation.

Uploaded by

Physiotherapist Ali
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
1K views2 pages

Manual Muscle Testing

Manual muscle testing (MMT) is a common physical therapy evaluation technique used to assess muscle strength. The therapist applies resistance as the patient attempts to move against gravity in specific ranges of motion. Muscle strength is graded on a scale from 0 to 5 based on the amount of resistance the muscle can overcome. While MMT provides a quick evaluation of isolated muscle strength, it does not always correlate with functional ability. Other functional tests should also be included in a full patient evaluation.

Uploaded by

Physiotherapist Ali
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Definition Muscle testing is an attempt to determine a patient's ability to voluntarily contract a specific muscle.

(Keep in mind that this does not provide information on the patient's ability to use the muscle in daily activities, or if the muscle interacts with other muscle around it in a synergistic pattern). Purpose Muscle testing is indicated in any patient with suspected or actual impaired muscle performance, including strength, power, or endurance. Identification of specific impaired muscles or muscle groups provides information for proper treatment. Precautions It is important to determine the patient's ability to withstand the force to be applied. Proper positioning is important, as is instruction in breathing techniques (avoid the Val Salva). Remember to assess surrounding area for ability to sustain muscle test. In the case of a recent fracture, postsurgical, or other tissue healing, consider post-poning muscle test. Manual Muscle Testing MMT is widely used in the physical therapy setting. Patients are asked to hold a position against a therapist's resistance.

stabilize proximal part of the area being tested to reduce compensatory action by muscles other than those being tested resistance needs to be applied gradually ("meet my resistance" or "don't let me move you") in the opposite direction of muscle being tested both sides should be tested to provide a comparison

Grading 5 Normal subject completes ROM against gravity with maximal resistance completes ROM against gravity with moderate-maximal resistance completes ROM against gravity with moderate resistance

4+ Good Plus 4 Good Good Minus

4-

completes ROM against gravity with minimal-moderate resistance

3+ Fair Plus 3 Fair

completes ROM against gravity with only minimal resistance completes ROM against gravity without manual resistance

3- Fair Minus

does not complete the range of motion against gravity, but does complete more than half of the range is able to initiate movement against gravity completes range of motion with gravity eliminated

2+ Poor Plus 2 Poor Poor Minus Trace Zero

2-

does not complete ROM in a gravity eliminated position

1 0

muscle contraction can be palpated, but there is no joint movement patient demonstrates no palpable muscle contraction

Concerns MMT is a relatively quick and inexpensive method of evaluating strength; however, it is somewhat subjective. By using consistent test positions, accurate joint placement and avoiding use of compensatory muscle use, results allow for increased reliability in using MMT as an evaluation tool. Keep in mind that MMT often times does not correlate with a aptient's ability to perform functional activities. In addition, a normal muscle grade does not necessarily indicate a patient's ability to return to his or her normal level of activity. It is important to also include functional tests in any patient evaluation.

You might also like