MSK Muscle Testing

Question 1

How many muscle tests are there and what are they?

Answer 1

1. Resisted isometric muscle testing
2. Oxford Scale
3. Muscles length
4. Muscle control
5. Muscle bulk

Question 2

Describe the Oxford scale testing

Answer 2

Assesses muscle strength
Move the joint through full range
Scale from 0-5 (describe these you should know them!)
Look at concentric, eccentric and isometric
For 5 try getting the patient to do functional tasks as the assessment

Question 3

Describe resisted isometric muscle testing

Answer 3

Assesses pain and strength
Place the joint in mid range in a relaxed position
Isolate the muscle being tested (not always conclusive as many muscles cross joints)
Differentiates symptoms from contractile and inert structures

Question 4

Describe the muscle length test

Answer 4

Assesses the quality and ROM
Compare to opposite side for normal ROM
Relates to pain and resistance which then decides treatment

Question 5

Describe the muscle control test

Answer 5

Assess coordination during tasks that involve complex motor patterns
(Not much on PowerPoint so I wouldn’t worry too much lol)

Question 6

Describe the muscle bulk test

Answer 6

Use tape measure or eyes by comparing opposite limbs to assess muscle wastage or atrophy
Problems with validity

Question 7

Describe the four overall muscle testing results

Answer 7

Strong and painless = normal
Strong and painful = minor muscle injury
Weak and painful = more major muscle injury
Weak and painless = complete muscle rupture or neuropathy e.g. MS