D&W Muscle Grading

Question 0

Grade 4 (good)

Answer 0

Able to complete full ROM against gravity and can tolerate strong resistance without breaking

Question 1

Grade 5 (normal)

Answer 1

Holds position against max resistance. Must be able to complete full ROM or maintain end point range against max resistance

Question 2

Grade 3 (fair)

Answer 2

Completes full ROM against only resistance of gravity

Question 3

Grade 2 (poor)

Answer 3

Can complete full ROM in a position that minimizes gravity

Question 4

Grade 1 (trace)

Answer 4

Examiner can visually detect or palpate some contractile activity but no movement occurs

Question 5

Grade 0

Answer 5

Muscle activity so completely absent on palpation or visual inspection

Question 6

Grade 3+

Answer 6

Can complete full ROM against gravity and can hold position against mild resistance

Question 7

Grade 2-

Answer 7

Can complete partial ROM in horizontal plane or gravity minimized position