Chapter 10: Active resisted strength and neurological testing Flashcards
It is used to test the integrity of contractile tissue (muscle, tendon).
Active resisted testing
What are the factors that can affect muscle and tendon activity?
- Mechanically(tearing, rupture, spasms, inflammation, etc.)
- Chemically (weak due to malnutrition, i.e. vitamins, minerals, blood supply (insufficient or absent nerve supply).
- Neurologically
Active resisted testing is also known as:
Muscle strength testing or Myotome testing
What is the percentage of resistance that the therapists should apply on the start of the testing?
Approximately 20% of their strength and then increase gradually if needed.
To determine if the muscle in question is receiving an adequate nerve supply. What should the therapist do when applying the resistance?
The resistance must be applied for at least 5 seconds in neurological testing
Strength testing are commonly performed in what position?
Neutral or mid-range position
What will happen if testing is done at the end-range?
Testing at the end-range increases your chances of injuring the client, as well as giving you false findings.
What condition usually indicates a limited movement, or pain, on passive range of motion testing ?
Soft tissue injury
What condition usually indicates a decreased strength on active resisted testing?
Compromised nerve supply or poor blood supply.
What condition indicates in an increased pain on active resisted testing?
Mechanical injury in the muscle or tendon
What chart is used to assess muscle strength?
Muscle Strength Grading Chart
What is the range of scale of strength grading chart?
The scale is from 0-5
The muscle can move the joint against full resistance. What is the grade of muscle strength?
Grade 5
The muscle can move the joint but not against gravity. What is the grade of muscle strength?
Grade 2
The muscle can contract but not enough to create movement. What is the grade of muscle strength?
Grade 1
The muscle can move the joint against gravity but not with any resistance. What is the grade of muscle strength?
Grade 3
If the muscle strength is grade 0, What is the strength of the muscle?
no contractility (the muscle cannot fire)
If the muscle strength is grade 4, What is the strength of the muscle?
The muscle can move the joint with some resistance.
The subjective nature of the strength grading chart from 4 and 5. Muscle strength testing can be done more objectively by using:
Blood pressure cuff
What is the use of blood pressure cuff in assessment of muscle strength grade 4 and 5?
The cuff is inflated to 20 mm Mg of pressure and the part being testing pushes on the cuff to see what number can be reached on the cuff.
The use of blood pressure cuff in assessment of muscle strength grade 4 and 5. True or False:
- The stronger the contraction, the more pressure they will exert on the cuff, therefore, reaching a greater pressure on the cuff.
- Active Resisted ROM testing is done again from neutral, by resisting the action of the muscle being tested, with the client in the most comfortable position as possible.
True
An examination that describes the clinical relationship between the various muscles, reflexes, and sensory areas in the lower extremity and their particular cord levels.
Neurologic Testing of lower extremeties