Manual muscle test
A manual muscle test is used to assess muscle strength, detect weakness or dysfunction, and determine areas that require therapy.
Duration of testing
15 - 20 minutes
Recommended number of testings
One test is usually sufficient.
Who it is for
Patients with muscle pain, athletes or those recovering from injuries
Contraindications
Serious injuries, acute inflammatory processes
Prim. Vlasta Brozičević, MD., spec. in physical medicine and rehabilitation, rheumatology, Board Member
Head of department
BOOK AN APPOINTMENTPrim. MSc. Ivan Brozičević, MD., spec. in internal medicine and cardiology; President of the Board
Director
BOOK AN APPOINTMENTManual muscle testing (MMT) is a method of assessing muscle strength that evaluates different muscle groups based on their ability to perform a specific movement. This test provides the clinician with important information about muscle function and strength, allowing them to identify weaknesses, imbalances, or limitations that may arise from injury, degenerative disease, or neuromuscular disorders.
Testing is performed by having a therapist apply pressure to a specific muscle group while the patient attempts to perform a movement. Based on the muscle response, the therapist rates the strength and ability to perform the movement at different levels of intensity, using a score from 0 to 5, where 5 indicates full strength and 0 indicates complete paralysis of the muscle.
When performing the test, it is important that the patient feels comfortable and pain-free, as excessive pain can interfere with the accuracy of the test. Manual muscle testing is used to identify muscle weakness, which is essential for determining a further treatment plan, rehabilitation, or physical therapy. It is often used in athletes after injuries to assess the recovery of muscle strength, as well as in patients with chronic muscle or joint pain.
In addition to helping to detect muscle weakness, this test can also help to find the cause of pain that may arise from neuromuscular dysfunction. For example, weakness in certain muscles can cause compensatory movements, which can lead to tension or pain in other parts of the body.
This test is also very important in the diagnosis of conditions such as sciatica, neuralgia, various muscle diseases (e.g. myopathies), and injuries such as strains or sprains. It is also crucial in assessing progress during rehabilitation because it allows an objective assessment of how muscle function is returning after surgery, injury, or prolonged periods of inactivity.
In the context of physical rehabilitation, MMT is often used to monitor the improvement in strength after treatment, allowing therapists to adjust the treatment plan and ensure an optimal speed of recovery. In this way, manual muscle testing not only helps in diagnosis, but is also a tool for monitoring the progress and effectiveness of therapeutic methods.
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