Muscle function testing is useful in determining the proper function, strength and endurance of muscles or muscle groups in the body. Often performed in medical or clinical settings, muscle function tests are generally performed on patients or individuals who have experienced a muscle injury in order to determine impairment levels.
Definition
Muscle function tests can determine your range of motion or degree of impingement and determine adequate and appropriate interventions such as physical or occupational therapy. Such tests may also determine whether supportive devices may be required for optimal strength and support. Muscle testing can measure the degree of loss of muscle function, strength and mobility for individuals diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease such as Parkinson's or multiple sclerosis.
Functional Muscle Testing
Functional muscle testing measures and rates your ability to engage in and perform activities required for daily living activities like walking, bending, squatting, or holding or lifting objects of various sizes and weights. Functional muscle testing evaluations take into consideration your ability to balance, bear weight, climb stairs, walk, lunge and jump or hop from one spot to another.
Manual Muscle Testing
Manual muscle testing engages range of motion activity and resistance. You may be asked to circle your arm at the shoulder joint while a physical therapist or caregiver applies slight resistance to your efforts, or you may perform various moving actions with a light dumbbell or resistance band. Weight or tension may gradually increase to determine limits. These tests are performed bilaterally, such as both arms and legs to gain an accurate measure of strength, endurance and stability. Muscle groups that may be tested using this method include the deltoids and biceps, the quadriceps, gluteus maximus and medius as well as the ankle dorsiflexors and the wrist extensors, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Isokinetic Dynamometry
The term isokinetic dynamometry is a medical term that describes testing muscle function with a piece of equipment that measures the force or power of a muscle contraction in muscle groups during isometric contractions. For example, the device can measure joint angles and speed of muscle groups in the upper arms, thighs and lower extremities during flexion and contraction moves. The test determines the function, force and speed of tendons connecting muscle to bone as well, as well as maximum contraction rates and force obtained by shortening and lengthening of a muscle within a group. Isokinetic dynamometry tests goth length and tension and force and velocity relationships in these muscle groups.
