3 . Ensure the starting point for breaking action is at the same range of motion
position for each test and repetition . This is necessary because of the wide
variations in force the prime movers can oppose depending on the starting
point of breaking action .
4 . Determine the plane of motion of the segment and ensure that the Muscle
Tester dynamometer is not sideways or off axis to this motion . Additionally,
apply force in the direction of motion .
5 . Always build up resistance smoothly until the position is broken . In general the
break should occur within 2-3 seconds . Prolonging the time to break may
introduce fatigue . Shorter breaks are at higher risk of re-injury or may not allow
for buildup of maximum contraction . For difficult to break segments, two hands
may be required .
Grading Muscle Tests
Traditionally, muscle testing uses a grading system for documentation and
standardization . In the traditional system muscle test grades range from 4/5 “Good/
Normal” to 0/1 “None/Slight Contraction .” With the introduction of the Muscle
Tester manual muscle tester and the JTECH’s IsoTrack isometric testing station, the
system has been modified slightly to encompass the additional diagnostic data
available .
When Should a Muscle Test Be Graded?
Using the traditional subjective method of muscle testing, every test needed to be
graded just for the purpose of documentation . With Commander’s Muscle Tester
muscle testing systems, the actual force values are automatically recorded, so the
need to grade every test is greatly reduced . As a result, tests conducted for
purposes like initial screenings and monitoring progress are not required to be
graded . In addition, tests not graded during the examination, or immediately after,
can be graded at a later date if necessary using the test values recorded on the
worksheet .
According to the AMA
Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment
, a muscle
test must be graded if it is to be used as part of an impairment rating . Tests where
the patient cannot exert force against the dynamometer or where the use of a force
gauge is infeasible should also be graded to provide documentation of the test .
Grading with the Muscle Testing Dynamometer
Grade 4 or 5:
These grades are assigned if the patient can provide slight to full resistance against
the dynamometer .
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