Muscles weakness, also known as paresis, is impaired strength of the muscle or muscles of an area of the body. A physician usually uses the muscle strength test, along with testing the reflexes and sensation of the area of the body that is thought to be affected. These tests are commonly done as part of a physical for athletics or employment. Muscle strength tests are completed on the muscles that support movements of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, fingers, hips, knees and ankles.
Muscle Strength Test
Muscle Strength tests are performed when the doctor asks you to move actively against resistance or to resist movement. An example is if the doctor has you place your arms at shoulder height and asks you to hold them in place while he pushes downward. He will then compare this to the other side of the body and what he considers normal for your sex and physical abilities. This is given a grade of 0 to 5 out of 5.
0 and 1
A score of 0 out of 5 during a muscle test means that there was no muscle movement felt or viewed when the task was performed. A score of 1 out of 5 during a muscle strength test means that the movement was visible by the eye in the form of a tightening or twitch, but no actual movement occurred at the joint.
2 and 3
A score of 2 out of 5 during a muscle test means that there was movement at the joint, but not against gravity. This is commonly seen when the patient is asked to perform a test with her arms in the air and cannot perform the test, but when the arm is resting on a table or lap, the movement can be completed. A score of 3 out of 5 during a muscle strength test is a sign that the test could be completed against gravity, but not with any added resistance from the doctor.
4 and 5
A score of 4 out of 5 during a muscle test means that the movement could be performed against gravity and resistance, but is less than the normal strength that is expected or less than the other side. A score of 5 out of 5 during muscle strength tests is considered normal and means that the area was able to move against gravity and resistance without any evident fatigue.
After the test
Now that the tests have been performed and you have been given a lower than normal score, it is time to determine what is causing the weakness. Weakness during a muscle strength test can be due to small or large tears in the muscles, nerve irritation or damage, or a bone out of place. Adjustments from a chiropractor can help to realign the bones that are out of place and decrease the irritation of the nerves. Sometimes, small tears in the muscles are best treated with rest followed by exercises or physical therapy, while larger tears that include most or all of the thickness of the muscles may need surgery to repair them.
References
- Medinfo.ufl.edu: Neurological Examination
- "Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking"; Lynn S Bickley; 2003
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