Muscle length testing

Question 1

What is the purpose of the technique?

Answer 1

To assess the resistance to passive movements by elongating the muscle in the direction opposite to its concentric contraction.

Question 2

What do you look for when muscle length testing?

Answer 2

• Quality of movement
• The ROM (is it normal/short/extended?)
• Muscular end feel / overpressure
• Reproduction or change of symptoms through range

Question 3

Contraindications

Answer 3

· Bony limit to movement
· Recent fracture
· Acute inflammation/ tissue trauma
· Acute pain with movement
· Non-compliant patient or unable to give consent
· Shortened tissues are compensatory e.g. to neural mechanosensitivity

Question 4

What are the genral steps to muscle length testing

Answer 4

Elongate the muscle in the direction of its concentri