Manual Muscle Testing – Flashcards
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Identify where muscle strength is found in AOTA Practice Framework.
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Client Factors: Neuromusculoskeletal and Movement-Related Functions: Muscle Functions: Muscle Power Functions
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Explain the role of the occupational therapy assistant in performing manual muscle testing.
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OTAs are not able to perform MMT as an entry-level skill. The OT determines the level of OTA involvement in manual muscle testing. Many OTs do not believe that OTAs can perform MMT. After establishing service competency with the supervising OT an OTA can perform gross muscle MMT for monitoring the strength of muscle groups. Isolated muscle strength assessment is the purview of the OT.
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Identify the six general purposes of muscle strength measurement.
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1) Determine the amount of muscle power available 2) Assess how muscle weakness is limiting performance 3) Prevent deformities 4) Determine the need for assistive devices 5) Aid in the selection of activities that the individual can perform 6) Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment
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Identify the three methods of evaluating muscle strength.
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1) Test of individual muscles - not expected of the OTA, more at the OTs level of assessment - the muscle is carefully isolated through proper positing, stabilization, and careful control of the movement pattern. 2) Test of muscle groups 3) ADL observation - functional muscle testing
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Discuss the relationship between joint range of motion and muscle strength measurement.
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1)Evidence of muscle contraction 2)Movement = AROM (complete, partial or no ROM) 3)Resistance (max, mod, min, none)
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Define manual muscle testing.
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A means of measuring the maximal contraction of a muscle or muscle group. Used to determine the amount of muscle power and to record gains and losses in strength.
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Identify the four primary limitations of the manual muscle test.
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1) endurance 2) coordination 3) functional performance 4) cannot be used accurately with individuals who have spasticity caused by upper motor neuron disorders (CVA, CP) because the muscles are often hypertonic
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Identify and describe the two primary factors influencing muscle function.
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1) GRAVITY = Resistance; Movements against gravity are produced in a vertical plane; Movements performed gravity eliminated and performed in a horizontal plane 2) SUBSTITUTION = Muscles or muscle groups may attempt to compensate for the function of weaker muscles.; Examiner must eliminate substitutions by giving careful directions, correct positioning
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Describe the six steps of the standard procedure for manual muscle testing.
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1) Position 2) Stabilize 3) Palpate 4) Observe 5) Resist: always the opposite of the movement 6) Grade
