Intro to MMT

Resistance: concentric force that acts in opposition to a contracting muscle Applied in the “line of pull” Applied at the end of the available range (shortened position) OR Applied at a point in the range where the muscle is most challenged Resistance is applied until muscle “breaks” its hold

One joint muscles: Resistance is applied at end range (shortened positions) Two joint muscles: Resistance is applied at midrange (length-tension more favorable)

Normal: Full range of motion against gravity Maintain end-point maximal resistance (cannot break patient’s hold position when applying maximal resistance)

Good: Full range of motion against gravity Yields to some extent at end of its range with maximal resistance

FAIR: Full range of motion against gravity and only against gravity Any resistance beyond gravity causes the muscle to “break”

Poor: Full range of motion with gravity reduced

Trace: Some contractile activity can be visualized or palpated in one of more of the muscles that participate in the movement being tested Passively move part into test position and ask patient to hold while observing/palpating for contraction

Zero or Absent: Completely inert on visualization/palpation (no visual or palpable contraction of muscle(s) being tested)

Can complete partial range of motion in horizontal plane

Can complete partial ROM against gravity

“Hold don’t let me move you. Hold, hold, hold”