Muscle Grades

Question 1

Normal

5

Answer 1

holds test position against STRONG pressure

Question 2

Good (+)

4+

Answer 2

holds test position against MODERATE TO STRONG pressure

Question 3

Good

4

Answer 3

holds test position against MODERATE pressure

Question 4

Good (-)

4-

Answer 4

holds test position against slight to moderate pressure

Question 5

Fair (+)

3+

Answer 5

holds test position against slight pressure

Question 6

Fair

3

Answer 6

hold test position against NO ADDED PRESSURE

Question 7

Fair (-)

3-

Answer 7

GRADUAL RELEASE from test position

Question 8

Poor (+)

2+

Answer 8

• moves through partial range in an antigravity position
• moves to completion of range against resistance in horizontal plane
• moves to completion of range & holds against pressure in horizontal plane

Question 9

Poor

2

Answer 9

moves through COMPLETE range of motion in a horizontal position

Question 10

Poor (-)

2-

Answer 10

moves through PARTIAL range of motion in a horizontal plane

Question 11

Trace 1

Answer 11

tendon becomes prominent or feeble contraction felt in the muscle, BUT NO VISIBLE MOVEMENT of the part

Question 12

Zero

0

Answer 12

NO CONTRACTION felt in the muscle

Question 13

Grade 5 (Normal)

Answer 13

holds position against MAXIMUM resistance; must be able to complete a full ROM or maintain end point range against maximum resistance

Question 14

Grade 4 (Good)

Answer 14

able to complete full ROM against gravity and can tolerate STRONG resistance without breaking; gives with maximal resistance

Question 15

Grade 3 (Fair)

Answer 15

completes full ROM against only the resistance of gravity

Question 16

Grade 2 (Poor)

Answer 16

can complete full ROM in a position that minimizes gravity

Question 17

Grade 1 (Trace)

Answer 17

can visually detect or palpate some contractile activity in the relevant musculature, but no movement

Question 18

Grade 0 (zero)

Answer 18

muscle activity is completely absent