Product Manual

Introduction to Manual Muscle Testing (MMT)
General Testing Concepts
Refer to appropriate textbooks and manual muscle testing resources and guides for patient
conditions suitable for dynamometry testing, further testing methods and protocols, and for
evaluation of test data.
Reasons for Muscle testing:
Screening: measurement of the subject's strength against a know norm (i.e., grip
strength of fireman) or against a benchmark value needed to perform a given task (i.e., abil-
ity to lift a box)
Comparative: to measure the subject's strength dominant side vs. non-dominant
side (right hand against left hand) to ascertain extent of "impairment." To measure the sub-
ject's strength over time to ascertain the effectiveness of a treatment protocol.
Muscle testing methodology:
Positioning the subject: The angle of the joint during the test has a direct effect
on the strength measurement result. If the objective is to simulate a given activity, then the
joint angle should be as close as possible to the angle required by the activity to be per-
formed.
Stabilizing the subject: The subject's body should be stabilized to ensure that the
muscle or muscle group being tested is isolated.
Testing methodology:
Break test: The tester firmly holds the dynamometer and applies force against the
subject's body until it begins to move. The reading represents the muscle strength "break"
point at which the subject could not overcome the tester's force.
Make test: The subject initiates and exerts a force against the dynamometer (that
is firmly held by the tester) until it begins to move. The reading represents the muscle
strength "make" point at which the subject overcomes the tester's force of resistance.
Instrument test: The subject gradually (no sudden, jerky or abrupt movements) ex-
erts force against the instrument until the strength or pain threshold in reached. The final
result is not dependent upon the tester's resistance, only upon the instrument.
Consistent results: Regardless of the test, the subject should be made to perform
the test three (3) times. If the individual readings are inconsistent, wait a few minutes and
repeat the test. If possible, test the uninjured side first.