Muscular Strength

Question 1

0 Paralysis
1 Profound Weakness
2 Severe Weakness
3 Moderate Weakness
4 Mild Weakness
5 Normal

Answer 1

0 No motion possible
1 Flicker or trace of muscle contraction
2 Able to contract muscle but cannot move joint against gravity
3 able to overcome the force of gravity but not the resistance of the examiner
4 Able to resist slight force of examiner
5 Equal strength bilaterally (both sides) and able to resist examiner

Question 2

Upper extremities?

Answer 2

Deltoids
Latissimus
Biceps
Triceps
Forearm Muscles
Hand Muscles

Question 3

Lower Extremities?

Answer 3

Assessed by watching the Pt walk on his heels for a short distance and then on his toes. The Pt should then walk while squatting (“duck walk”). These tests adequately assess lower extremity strength, as well as balance and coordination.

More detailed examination of the lower extremity is testing at each joint.

Question 4

Muscle size
Muscle tone
Involuntary movements

Answer 4

Visually inspected and felt, while at rest, for size and consistency - examine for fine muscle twitching.

Look and feel for abnormalities in tone such as spasticity, rigidity, or no tone.

Inspection may reveal slow, irregular, and jerky movements, rapid contractions, tics, or tremors