Test Positioning

When it comes to MMT (manual muscle testing) and ROM (range of motion) measurements, positioning is very important in order to achieve accurate measurements. It is also important for documentation to ensure all health care professionals are receiving accurate information. For these accurate and specific measurements, bony landmarks and specific positioning of the client, therapist and goniometer are used. The bony landmark gives us an "axis" to know where to measure and where to place the goniometer. You want to place the stationary arm of the goniometer parallel to the bone that does not move on whatever you are measuring. The moveable arm will be placed parallel to the bone that is moving. This will ensure an accurate measurement. This also will prove inter-rater reliability, it does so by proving that whoever the therapist is measuring (PT or OT) should yield the same measurement. If these measures are not used to ensure a specific and accurate measurement, this could be putting the clients safety at risk or negatively effect treatment.

For MMT, positioning is important for optimal muscle contraction and safety. This test will provide information on how weak, or strong a muscle is. It is important that the client be placed in mid joint position for MMT testing (optimal muscle contraction) and laying/sitting on the plinth to ensure the client is safe and stable.  In cases where the client is unable to move their effected limb due to the weight and pull of gravity, you would place them in the gravity eliminated position. This position means the effected limb, or limb being tested, is parallel to the ground. This is so the client can safely demonstrate their muscle ability without the act of gravity pulling on the limb skewing the measurement or result and preventing further injury. In this position, it is not necessary for the break test to be performed because the client will not be able to do so, gravity is already a "break" in the clients muscles.