Muscle Length Testing Flashcards
what is the definition of muscle length?
the greatest extensibility of a muscle-tendon unit
maximal distance that can be achieved between the proximal and distal muscle attachments
what are some factors that can contribute to a decrease in ROM?
muscle length
joint integrity
extensibility of the surrounding structures (capsule, ligaments, fascia, skin)
what can muscle length testing be used to help determine?
if the length of an inactive (antagonist) muscle may be contributing to the lack of ROM at a joint
what is the definition of passive insufficiency?
the inability of a muscle to lengthen to allow full ROM at all of the joints the muscle crosses
what should the normal end feel be when performing muscle length testing?
firm - due to tension and resistance of the muscle
what are the actions of the biceps?
elbow flexion
shoulder flexion
forearm supination
what is the testing position for measuring the muscle length of the biceps?
supine
shoulder and arm extended off the edge of the table
place shoulder in full extension and pronation while keeping the elbow flexed
ask the patient to extend their elbow
if the biceps brachii are shortened, what would you see during testing?
limited elbow extension when the shoulder is extended
what are the actions of the triceps?
elbow extension
shoulder extension
what is the testing position for measuring the muscle length of the triceps?
supine at the edge of examining table OR seated on table
place shoulder in full flexion and supination of the forearm
ask the patient to flex their elbow
if the triceps are shortened, what would you see during testing?
limited elbow flexion with shoulder fully flexed
what are the actions of FDP?
composite flexion (MCP, PIP, DIP)
wrist flexion
what are the actions of FDS?
flat fist (MCP and PIP flexion)
wrist flexion
what is the testing position for measuring the muscle length of FDP and FDS?
seated with arm supported on examining surface
forearm pronated and extended wrist and digits
if the FDP and FDS are shortened, what would you see during testing?
wrist extension is limited with digit extension
what are the actions of extensor digitorum, extensor indicis, and extensor digiti minimi?
extension of MCP, PIP, and DIP joints
wrist extension
what is the testing position for measuring the muscle length of ED, EI, and EDM?
seated with arm supported on examining table
forearm pronated and wrist in neutral
patient is asked to flex wrist while making a fist
if the ED, EI, and EMD are shortened, what would you see during testing?
limited wrist flexion when the elbow is extended and the hand is in a fist
what are the actions of the lumbricals, PADs and DABs?
MCP joint flexion
PIP and DIP joint extension
what is the testing position for measuring the muscle length of the lumbricals, PADs, and DABs?
seated with forearm and hand comfortably support with wrist in neutral
MCP, PIP, and DIP flexed
patient is asked to extend the MCP joint while keeping PIP and DIP flexed
if the lumbricals, PADs, and DABs are shortened, what would you see during testing?
limited MCP extension with flexed PIP and DIP
what is the name of the hip flexor muscle length test?
thomas test
what is the testing position of the thomas test?
seated at end of examining table with lower thighs, knees, and legs off of the edge of the table in supine
passively flex hips while holding knees
lower tested hip into extension
what is the differentiating test of rectus femoris in the thomas test?
normal test but with the knee extended
patient is able to extend hip to surface with knee extended, but is limited with knee flexion
what is the differentiating test of sartorius in the thomas test?
as patient moves into thomas test, they will compensate with hip abduction and external rotation
what is the differentiating test of tensor fascia lata in the thomas test?
hip moves into medial rotation and abduction when performing test
what is the differentiating test of pectineus, adductor longus, and adductor brevis in the thomas test?
the hip moves into adduction when performing the test
what is the name of the muscle length test that targets the TFL?
ober test
what is the testing position of the ober test?
sidelying with tested hip on top
hip in neutral pelvis position, can flex bottom knee
slightly flex knee and abduct and extend hip to move TFL over greater trochanter
attempt to lower leg toward table
what is the name of the muscle length test that targets the rectus femoris in the knee?
ely’s test
what is the testing position of the ely’s test?
prone with both feet off the edge of the table
maintain neutral hip and flex tested knee
what position would you place the patient in to test the muscle length of the hamstrings?
supine
hip flexed to 90 degrees while maintaining neutral ab/ad and rotation
extend knee to end ROM
what is an alternative testing position for measuring hamstring muscle length?
knee straight, flex the hip in supine
