MANUAL MUSCLE TESTING PROCEDURES

Key to Muscle Grading

Function of the Muscle

Grade

No

Movement

No contractions felt in the muscle

0

0

zero

Tendon becomes prominent or feeble contraction felt in the muscle, but no visible movement of the part

T

1

Trace

Test

Movement

MOVEMENT IN HORIZONTAL PLANE

Moves through partial range of motion

1

2−

Poor−

Moves through complete range of motion

2

2

Poor

ANTIGRAVITY POSITION

3

2+

Moves through partial range of motion

Test

Position

Gradual release from test position

4

3−

Fair−

Holds test position (no added pressure)

5

3

Fair

Holds test position against slight pressure

6

3+

Fair+

Holds test position against slight to moderate pressure

7

4−

Good−

Holds test position against moderate pressure

8

4

Good

Holds test position against moderate strong pressure

9

4+

Good+

Holds test position against strong pressure

10

5

Normal