Manual Muscle testing notes Flashcards
What is MMT?
- objective test of strength
- Has been tested for validity and reliability
- it does have limitations
What are muscle grades based on?
- evidence of a contraction
- ability to move against gravity
- ability to withstand resistance
What is the technique for MMT?
- 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
What is the break test?
the ability of the muscle to hold against resistance at the SHORTENED range for a 3 second count
What is a normal grade?
5/5– The ability to actively complete the available ROM against gravity and maintain end-point range against maximum resistance
What is a good grade?
4/5– The ability to actively complete the available ROM against gravity but unable to maintain end-point range against maximum resistance
What is a fair grade?
3/5– The ability to actively complete the available ROM against gravity but unable to maintain end-point range against any additional resistance
What is a poor grade?
2/5– The ability to actively complete the available ROM in a gravity eliminated plane of motion or complete partial ROM against gravity
What is a trace grade?
1/5– Palpable muscle contraction only
What is zero grade?
0/5– No contraction
What is the purpose of pluses and minuses?
- 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
What can cause sudden changes in strength?
- motivation
- nerve injury
- Muscle injury
- Fatigue
Assessing Muscle and relationship to pain. If ISOMETRIC resisted motion, if contraction is strong and painless…
problem not in contractile tissue, its outside of musculoskeletal system
Assessing Muscle and relationship to pain. If ISOMETRIC resisted motion, if contraction is strong and painful…
suggests minor damage to contractile tissue
Assessing Muscle and relationship to pain. If ISOMETRIC resisted motion, if contraction is weak and painful…
major damage to contractile tissue or bone fracture
Assessing Muscle and relationship to pain. If ISOMETRIC resisted motion, if contraction is weak and painless…
complete rupture of contractile tissue or nervous system disorder
What is the purpose of facilitation and inhibition techniques?
- 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
What mediates the stretch response?
muscle spindle
- quick stretch facilitates muscle spindle
- prolonged stretch inhibits
What does the approximation techniques do?
promotes stability
What does the traction technique do?
facilitates movement
What do manual contacts do?
skin receptors facilitate muscle under them
What does pressure do?
firm pressure on long tendons inhibits
What are physiological reactions to exercise?
- increased HR
- increased BP
- increased respiration- increased O2 demand and consumption
- Fatigue
- Heat production
- Arterial dilation
