Test Positioning

Hey bloggers!

It is important for practitioners to use bony landmarks and proper positioning when measuring ROM to ensure intrarater reliability of testing. Intrarater reliability is better than interrater reliability. In order to increase reliability of MMT, it should be conducted in the following ways:

  • at the same time of day to avoid varying levels of fatigue
  • by the same therapist 
  • in the same environment 
  • using the same patient position 
  • following a standard testing protocol (using bony landmarks to locate correct and appropriate areas to palpate)

The purpose of the "test position" for Manual muscle testing (MMT) is that it takes gravity into consideration. Gravity is a resistance; it is a force. When grading on the MMT grading scale, if a client is at a 3 or lower, they need to be tested in the gravity eliminated testing position. In this position, the resistance of gravity is eliminated for the test of movement. Practitioners need to make sure that the clients desired position is parallel to the ground. MMT is solely used to determine weak muscles. The client may experience difficulty with daily schedule, abnormal or harmful stabilizing posture, or abnormal or harmful compensatory movements. The most common test used to assess strength is the Break test. During this test, the muscle/joint of the client is placed in the optimal position for contraction. While the client statically holds isometric contraction, the practitioner gradually builds resistance until the patient breaks contraction.

Thanks, and Always Stay Natural!

Love,
naturalOT

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