Muscle Testing Norms

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Muscle Testing Norms - December 13, 2006 9:27:00 AM

yarringtonpt

Posts: 112
Joined: July 4, 2006
From: Waynesville, NC
Status: offline

I have an orthopaedic surgeon who is wanting objective strength testing via dynamometer for his patients (instead of the 0-5 scale, etc.). Of course it is simple to compare involved to uninvolved sides, but is anyone aware of any published norms other than pinch and grip? I have not been able to find any studies, etc.

Thanks

_____________________________

Eric Yarrington, PT, MPT, OCS

Post #: 1

Re: Muscle Testing Norms - December 13, 2006 4:19:00 PM

MikeBptatc

Posts: 33
Joined: November 30, 2005
From: North Attleboro, MA
Status: offline

Ask the physician what he uses for norms.

(in reply to yarringtonpt)

Post #: 2

Re: Muscle Testing Norms - December 13, 2006 4:35:00 PM

ehanso

Posts: 355
Joined: September 14, 2004
From: Minnesota
Status: offline

Using a dynamometer such as a microfet(sp) or chatillion will objectify the measurements.

(in reply to yarringtonpt)

Post #: 3

Re: Muscle Testing Norms - December 14, 2006 4:43:00 PM

mcap56

Posts: 617
Joined: October 26, 2002
From: New York, NY
Status: offline

That is actually a very good question. As far as I know, there are no published norms but I will have to check my books.

Both you and your orthopedic surgeon should realize that there are validity problems with the hand held dynomometer as well as MMT. The reading is limited by how much force the therpist can apply in resistance. If the therapist can not "break" the subject then who knows how strong the subject actually is?

This is why many surgeons order isokinetic testing at specific intervals. (Also of dubious value in my opinion).

What I really found most useful, believe it or not, was following the patient as they did their weight stack machines. Look at the weights that they can comfortably perform 10 reps with good form with and look for changes/improvements.

If you are dealing with a relatively well population, the dynamometer won't add much at all. There are functional scales, the strength activity tolerance scale, etc. I don't think any of them would provide what you are looking for.

Dynamometers can add more over traditional mmt but not as much as you would think.

Marc

(in reply to yarringtonpt)

Post #: 4

Re: Muscle Testing Norms - December 15, 2006 3:51:00 AM