Manual Muscle testing notes

Question 1

What is MMT?

Answer 1

• objective test of strength
• Has been tested for validity and reliability
• it does have limitations

Question 2

What are muscle grades based on?

Answer 2

1. evidence of a contraction
2. ability to move against gravity
3. ability to withstand resistance

Question 3

What is the technique for MMT?

Answer 3

• standard position for each muscle or muscle group, designed to test contractile elements and lower motor neuron problems
• not valid with CNS or UMN lesions

Question 4

What is the break test?

Answer 4

the ability of the muscle to hold against resistance at the SHORTENED range for a 3 second count

Question 5

What is a normal grade?

Answer 5

5/5– The ability to actively complete the available ROM against gravity and maintain end-point range against maximum resistance

Question 6

What is a good grade?

Answer 6

4/5– The ability to actively complete the available ROM against gravity but unable to maintain end-point range against maximum resistance

Question 7

What is a fair grade?

Answer 7

3/5– The ability to actively complete the available ROM against gravity but unable to maintain end-point range against any additional resistance

Question 8

What is a poor grade?

Answer 8

2/5– The ability to actively complete the available ROM in a gravity eliminated plane of motion or complete partial ROM against gravity

Question 9

What is a trace grade?

Answer 9

1/5– Palpable muscle contraction only

Question 10

What is zero grade?

Answer 10

0/5– No contraction

Question 11

What is the purpose of pluses and minuses?

Answer 11

• not recommended but commonly used
• (+) represents performance somewhat better than the whole number grade
• (-) represents performance somewhat below the whole number grade
• Divides available ROM and “break test” into thirds and determining muscle function in each third

Question 12

What can cause sudden changes in strength?

Answer 12

1. motivation
2. nerve injury
3. Muscle injury
4. Fatigue

Question 13

Assessing Muscle and relationship to pain. If ISOMETRIC resisted motion, if contraction is strong and painless…

Answer 13

problem not in contractile tissue, its outside of musculoskeletal system

Question 14

Assessing Muscle and relationship to pain. If ISOMETRIC resisted motion, if contraction is strong and painful…

Answer 14

suggests minor damage to contractile tissue

Question 15

Assessing Muscle and relationship to pain. If ISOMETRIC resisted motion, if contraction is weak and painful…

Answer 15

major damage to contractile tissue or bone fracture

Question 16

Assessing Muscle and relationship to pain. If ISOMETRIC resisted motion, if contraction is weak and painless…

Answer 16

complete rupture of contractile tissue or nervous system disorder

Question 17

What is the purpose of facilitation and inhibition techniques?

Answer 17

• many techniques available
• all involve providing sensory input to alter neuromuscular response
• varies with rate, duration, and frequency of application, age and state of CNS

Question 18

What mediates the stretch response?

Answer 18

muscle spindle

• quick stretch facilitates muscle spindle
• prolonged stretch inhibits

Question 19

What does the approximation techniques do?

Answer 19

promotes stability

Question 20

What does the traction technique do?

Answer 20

facilitates movement

Question 21

What do manual contacts do?

Answer 21

skin receptors facilitate muscle under them

Question 22

What does pressure do?

Answer 22

firm pressure on long tendons inhibits

Question 23

What are physiological reactions to exercise?

Answer 23

1. increased HR
2. increased BP
3. increased respiration- increased O2 demand and consumption
4. Fatigue
5. Heat production
6. Arterial dilation