Manual Muscle Testing Scale

Question 1

5

Answer 1

Ability to hold test position against a “strong” pressure

Tester unable to “break” patient’s position with the maximal amount of force applied that would be expected for that muscle to resist.

Question 2

4+

Answer 2

Ability to hold test position against moderate to strong pressure

Question 3

4

Answer 3

Ability to hold test position against moderate pressure

Question 4

4-

Answer 4

Ability to hold test position against slightly moderate to moderate pressure

Question 5

3+

Answer 5

Ability to hold test position against gravity with minimal pressure

Question 6

3

Answer 6

Ability to hold in test position against gravity with no additional pressure applied

Question 7

3-

Answer 7

Gradual release from test position, unable to hold against gravity

Question 8

2+

Answer 8

Move through full ROM in gravity eliminated position and hold against resistance

OR 2+: able to move partial ROM AG

Question 9

2

Answer 9

Ability to move through full ROM in gravity eliminated position

Question 10

2-

Answer 10

Ability to move through partial ROM in gravity eliminated position

Question 11

1

Answer 11

Unable to initiate visible movement in limb with muscular contraction in gravity eliminated position

Question 12

0

Answer 12

Tester unable to palpate muscular contraction or visually detect contraction in tendon with effort

Question 13

Normal

Answer 13

5

Question 14

Good

Answer 14

4

Question 15

Fair

Answer 15

3+, 3, 3-

Question 16

Poor

Answer 16

2+, 2, 2-

Question 17

Trace

Answer 17

1

Question 18

Zero

Answer 18

0