Muscle Grades

Question 1

5

Answer 1

Normal (N)
Actively completes available arc of motion against gravity
Able to resist a maximum amount of resistance in the appropriate test position

Question 2

4

Answer 2

Good (G)
Actively completes available arc of motion against gravity. Able to resist a moderate amount of external force when in the appropriate test position

Question 3

3+

Answer 3

Fair Plus (F+)
Actively complete available arc of motion against gravity. Able to resist a minimal amount of external force when in the appropriate test position.

Question 4

3

Answer 4

Fair (F)
Actively complete available arc of motion against gravity. Unable to resist any external force when in the appropriate test position

Question 5

2+

Answer 5

Poor (P+)
Actively completes available arc of motion in a gravity lessened position. Able to resist a minimal amount of external force when in the appropriate test position. Able to initiate movement through less than 50% against gravity.

Question 6

2

Answer 6

Poor (P)
Actively completes available arc of motion in a gravity lessened position. Unable to resist any external force when in the appropriate test position

Question 7

1

Answer 7

Trace (T)
A contraction of the muscle is palpated when the movement is attempted in a gravity lessened position but no movement is detected

Question 8

0

Answer 8

Zero (Z)

No contraction palpable. No movement observed.

Question 9

Grade 5 for gastroc/soleus

Answer 9

16-20 heel rises

Question 10

Grade 4 for gastroc/soleus

Answer 10

10-15 heel rises

Question 11

Grade 3 for gastroc/soleus

Answer 11

5-9 heel rises

Question 12

Grade 2 for gastroc/soleus

Answer 12

1-4 heel rises

Question 13

Grade 1 for gastroc/soleus

Answer 13

0 heel rises with contraction

Question 14

Grade 0 for gastroc/soleus

Answer 14

0 heel rises without contraction

Question 15

What has to happen for heel rise to “count”

Answer 15

1. no excessive motions of trunk
2. knee should remain straight
3. subject can’t use UE to push off surface
4. heel must reach height of at least 50% of first repetition done

Question 16

If subject has grade 3 or less, what is recommended (gastroc)

Answer 16

that they be tested in a prone position

must be specified that it was done in prone

Question 17

What is not appropriate with gastroc?

Answer 17

to test this in the flexed knee position in order to stress the soleus

Question 18

standard position for gastroc/soleus heel rise test

Answer 18

in standing