oxford grading strength Flashcards
how to perform
informed consent, contraindications, patient & physio position, decide on gravity, keep point of force application consistent/distal from axis (lever length changes effort needed), expose body part, stabilise/position/add resistance, instruct, patient actively moves, observe shortening/trick movements meaning weakness/loss of motion, repeat on affected side after good
- tighten, attempt to bend/straighten
- move while resting sideways on plinth
- limb not on a surface, move through range
- add minimal resistance for at least 5sec
- add max resistance
risk - subjectivity, injury
contraindications
MSK: Marfan’s syndrome, acute fracture
CR:
CV: coronary HD, uncompensated heart failure, severe pulmonary hypertension, uncontrolled arrhythmias & hypertension, aortic stenosis & dissection, myocarditis/pericarditis/endocarditis
N: pain
precautions
MSK: problems
CR:
CV: pacemakers, hypertension above 160/100mmHg, diabetes, coronary HD, retinopathy
N: Peripheral neuropathy/nerve damage
purpose
manually assessing muscle strength
For any rehabilitation or training programme addressing base strength is fundamental prior to completing endurance, speed, power or skill components.
structures assessed
using a gravity/resistance to quantify the power or strength produced by a muscle’s contraction
msk
principles
grade 0: no contraction
1: flicker
2: full RoM without gravity
3: full RoM against gravity with hold
4: full RoM against minimal resistance
5: full RoM against max resistance (or a functional activity)
consistency - point of application affecting lever length, shorter length gives higher testing scores
stabilise muscle above joint, resist muscle below
Test on unaffected side first to establish normal range, compare
modifying - communication key
how to know if normal
grade 5, max resistance
discuss pain, past strength, compare to other side
