Week 1- Evaluating Strength

Question 1

how can we evaluate muscle strength?

Answer 1

Manual Muscle Testing
Grip/grasp and pinch

Question 2

what are some deficits in strength?

Answer 2

Deconditioning
Nerve innervation issues
Structural damage to the muscles

Question 3

what does a dynamometer measure?

Answer 3

maximum voluntary contraction

Question 4

what are the different pinch types?

Answer 4

lateral/key
tripod
two point pinch

Question 5

how do we interpret grasp and pinch scores?

Answer 5

Scores are compared with those of the other hand or to
norms to ascertain whether the patient has a significant
limitation.

Grasp and pinch measurements can be quickly and easily
reevaluated over time to monitor the progress of the patient
and the effectiveness of the treatment plan

Question 6

What do “Abnormal” results mean?

Answer 6

Pain – restricting maximal grip/pinch

Loss of muscle function – inability to maximally contract

Loss of tendon glide – inability to place digit(s) in position

Lack of effort - ?fear; malingering

Possible functional impact

Question 7

when doing MMT, what are symptoms of fatigue?

Answer 7

Cramping
Burning
Tremor

Question 8

how can endurance be measured?

Answer 8

statically (amount of time a contraction can be held)

dynamically (the number of reps per unit of time)

Question 9

how may we consider an individual’s perception of how hard he or she is
working?

Answer 9

sing a scale like the Borg Scale (Rating of Perceived Exertion)