Scapular MMT Flashcards
what are the scapular movements tested with MMT?
- elevation
- adduction
- abductino
- upward rotation
- depression and downward rotation
what muscles primarily are assessed during scapular upward rotation and abduction?
serratus anterior
why is upward rotation with abduction a significant motion for the scapula?
contributes to scapulo humeral rhythm
weakness in upward rotators may lead to dysfunction and downward rotation of scapula
increases risk for impingement
T/F: the serratus anterior can never be graded higher than the grade assigned to shoulder flexion?
TRUE
weak deltoid = loss of lever for testing = cannot apply resistance in this test
for grades 4 and 5, how should the pt be positioned for serratus anterior MMT?
- sitting
- shoulder flexed to 130 w/elbow extended
- apply resistance at distal humerus in a downward direction
- stabilize/palpate lateral edge of scapula to see if it maintains an abudcted and upwardly rotated position
how should the pt be positioned for a grade 3 serratus anterior MMT?
- sitting
- shoulder flexed to at least 90 with elbow extended
- check position
- is it uncoordinated? = weak serratus ant
- pt can get into position but cannot hold against resistance
how should the pt be positioned for grades 0,1,2 serratus anterior MMT?
- sitting
- PT supported weight of arm and moves it into position of aprox 90 flex
- Instruct pt to “hold your arm in this position, let it relax. Now hold your arm up again. Let it relax”
- palpate serratus anterior
alternative testing position for serratus anterior MMT?
- supine
- shoulder flexed to 90, neural rotation
- elbow extended
- instruct pt to make a fist and punch straight up into your hand
T/F: it is alright to test scapular elevation bilaterally?
TRUE
pt positioning for grades 3 and up scapular elevation MMT?
similar to how we performed it in systems review
gravitiy minimized positioning for scapular elevation
- prone or supine
- neutral head (turning may influence activation of muscles)
what muscles primarily perform scapular adduction (retraction)?
- middle trapezius
- rhomboid major
what muscles assist with scapular adduction (retraction)?
- rhomboid minor
- upper and lower trapezius
- levator scapulae
for grades 4 and 5 how should the pt be positioned for scapular adduction (retraction) MMT?
- prone
- arm abducted 90 and elbow flexted to 90
- head turned to either side
- stabilize contralateral scapula
- apply resistance at distal humerus (if posterior deltoid was a grade 3 at least)
if a pt has a posterior deltoid that graded less than a 3, how should the pt be positioned during scapular adduction (retraction) MMT?
- set up is exactly the same as grades 3 and up
- main difference is lever arm changes from distal humerus to posterior shoulder