Assessment of Strength

Question 1

What position should the muscle be placed in for manual muscle testing (MMT)

Answer 1

• ideally placed in the middle range

Question 2

Define outer range

Answer 2

• position where the muscle is maximally stretched to a position halfway through the full range

Question 3

Define inner range

Answer 3

• position where the muscle is maximally shortened to a position halfway through the full range

Question 4

Define middle range

Answer 4

• the portion of the full range between the midpoint of the outer range and the midpoint of the inner range

Question 5

Define agonist

Answer 5

• the muscle group that makes the major contribution to the movement of the joint

Question 6

Define antagonist

Answer 6

• the muscle or muscle group that has the opposite action to the agonist

Question 7

Define synergist

Answer 7

• a muscle that contracts and works in coordination with the agonist to produce the desired movement

Question 8

Define neutralizing synergist

Answer 8

• muscle contraction prevents unwanted movement produced by the agonist

Question 9

Define conjoint synergists

Answer 9

• 2 or more muscles that contract to produce the desired movement

Question 10

• Define stabilizing synergist

Answer 10

• muscles that control the movement at joints proximal to the moving joint to provide a stable base

Question 11

What does manual muscle testing (MMT) look for

Answer 11

• neurological deficits
• muscle weakness
• muscle imbalance

Question 12

Kendall Scale

Answer 12

0/None: no visible or palpable contraction
1/Trace: visible or palpable contraction
2/Poor: full ROM with gravity eliminated
3/Fair: full ROM against gravity
4/Good: full ROM against gravity, moderate resistance
5/Normal: full ROM against gravity, maximal resistance

Question 13

Contraindications for MMT

Answer 13

• unhealed fracture
• dislocation/unstable joint
• AROM or resistance contraindicated
• pain limits participation
• severe osteoporosis
• hemophelia
• cognitive concerns & ability to complete test

Question 14

Precautions for MMT

Answer 14

• respect pain
• patient comfort
• abdominal surgery or hernia
• bony ankylosis
• hematoma
• cardiovascular or pulmonary disease
• prolonged immobilization
• extreme debility

Question 15

Limitations of MMT

Answer 15

• poor functional relevance
• non-linearity
• a patient’s variability over time
• intra-rater reliability
• only assess muscles when contracting concentrically
• presence of pain & swelling