Strength Testing Flashcards
Strength deficits on ICF
BOdy structure and functions—> impairments!
effects activities ex: weak quads walking with stairs
Define strength?
Ability of muscle to develop tension/torque
Force generated over single episode against immovable resistance
Muscle must produce force in static position (END RANGE) and throughout ROM!
Define muscle strength?
3 types of contractions
maximal force muscle/group can generate at specified or determined velocity
3 types of contraction:
1. isometric- same length
ex: MANUAL MUSCLE TEST!!
tests strength in certain position
- isotonic- same tension
ex: one rep max - isokinetic- same velocity/movement
ex: fancy moving machines post surgery
3 types of strength assesment
Manually:
manual muscle testing
hand held dynamometry (not as good at lower levels of strength; very sensitive to higher grades)
(usually quantative)
Electronically: cybex kincom biodex (give quantative numbers)
Functional assesments
(more qualitative measurements)
gives idea of what specific muscles to test
What does functional assessment measure?
provides baseline info
qualitative or quantitative
can allow to identify muscle groups to get more specific measures
guides to what other test/technique to use
ex: sit to stand, squat, lifting
Categories of functional assesment
balance excursion lunge step up/step down jump and hop tests
exs: 30 sec chair stands 6 min walk test single limb balance step-ups squats: double and single limb
Manual muscle SCREENING
muscle group in position of CONVENIENCE quick overview of gross strength groups not specific muscles NOT quantifiable determines: weak/strong, painful/painless
sees if muscle can fire, bilateral differences
Manual muscle TESTING
determine capability of muscle/group to function in movement and ability to provide support and stability
measures muscle strength (weakness)
measures ability of MUSCLE TO DEVELOP TENSION against resistance in PARTICULAR POSITION
Why do we perform MMT?
OBJECTIVE measurement- quantifiable
ability to RETEST- see if changes
manner of COMMUNICATION with other health care ppl
RELATES results to activity/participation domains
Beasley testing
large vol of measurements w/ post-polio patients
saw that 4/5 had muscle weakness clinicians failed to detect
MMT extensors were classified normal when only had 50% strength
influenced methods on knee extensor force amount kids post polio
MMT Sequence
- explain purpose MMT (what/why)
- Place position in gravity-resisted position
- Stabilize prox segment of joint while demonstrating motion via PROM
- Return segment to starting positin
- Ask patient to actively perform mvmnt while palpating muscle
- Correct position (if needed)
- Apply resistance (IF FULL ROM AGAINST GRAVITY) with verbal cueing
- Select appropriate grade
If patient cant get full ROM against gravity?
If passively can’t get to full ROM but actively get to that same point– continue and can get 5/5 still
If actively can’t get to end point of PROM->perform in new position w/ gravity eliminated
means profound weakness
Resistance in MMT
ONLY if patient full AROM against gravity
applied perpendicular to distal end of distal segment of joint
“Break Test”- examiner applies resistance against pt, gradually increases for 5 seconds until pt breaks muscle contraction
5/5 NORMAL
completion of full ROM against gravity
maintains against MAX resistance
4/5 GOOD
completion of full ROM against gravity
maintains position against MOD resistance
