Test Positioning

It is important to use bony landmarks and proper positioning to know how to position the goniometer for measuring ROM. If a therapist uses the wrong body landmark to measure ROM, the results would be incorrect and would not reflect an accurate measurement. The next time the client is accessed, the past measurements would not be reliable. Additionally, if the positioning of the patient or goniometer is not precise, the measurement will also be unreliable. The purpose of MMT is to determine muscle weakness. When examining the purpose of the testing position, it is important to consider the plane of movement for the muscle that is being tested. The purpose of the test position is to place the muscle in a position for optimal muscle contraction, which is in mid-range. In a gravity eliminated position, the desired movement should be carried out so that it is parallel to the ground. When the patient’s muscle that is being tested is too weak, the patient should be tested in a gravity eliminated plane. MMT is most sensitive to changes in the lower grades, (0-3). Thus, a therapist will not apply resistance against gravity if the client’s MMT grade is between (0-3). Also, it is important to notice muscle compensations during testing in order to determine any lack of muscle strength. Compensatory movements may give the appearance of greater ROM. Thus, muscle compensation could lead to inappropriate movement patterns and could cause more damage.