Manual-muscle testing, known as MMT, is a form of muscle evaluation performed by a health-care provider -- most commonly a physician or physical therapist -- to evaluate muscle strength by isolating individual muscles. This is done manually because imaging studies, such as X-rays and MRIs, do not provide detailed information related to muscle function. MMT is often done when you are experiencing weakness in muscles or tendons or symptoms that may be associated with nerve damage. Muscle strength is graded on a scale of zero to five, with zero being no movement and five being normal. MMT is performed in the same manner for adults and children.
Step 1
Instruct the patient to sit straight up, with legs draped over the side of the exam table.
Step 2
Begin with the shoulder muscles, starting with the right arm. Instruct the patient to lower his head to the right shoulder.
Step 3
Place one hand on the shoulder and one hand on the side of the head.
Step 4
Instruct the patient to hold her head in that position and to not let you pry apart her head and right shoulder. Apply an even amount of resistance throughout the test.
Step 5
Repeat this procedure on the left side.
Step 6
Continue testing each muscle set in this pattern, moving down the body. Test the appropriate muscles as the patient changes position to lying on his right side, lying face down, lying on his left side and finally standing.
Tips and Warnings
- If a muscle or limb is injured, regardless of the side of the body, begin with the unaffected side. Instruct your patient as to what you are doing throughout the testing. Apply consistent resistance during each movement.
- Remind your patient to breath throughout the examination.
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