Muskeltests

Muskeltests are procedures used to assess muscle strength, function, and neuromuscular integrity. They are applied in clinical medicine, physiotherapy, sports science, and rehabilitation to estimate strength, monitor change over time, and aid diagnosis.

Manual muscle testing (MMT) is the most common method. In MMT, a clinician positions the limb, asks for an isometric contraction, and applies resistance. The strength is graded on a scale from 0 to 5, with 0 indicating no visible contraction and 5 indicating normal strength. Tests can be conducted as break tests or make tests depending on whether the examiner attempts to overcome an existing contraction or the patient resists a new one. For objective measurement, handheld dynamometers or isokinetic devices quantify force in Newtons and provide repeatable data.

Additional assessments include functional tests (grip strength, chair stand, gait measures) that reflect everyday function. Neurological screening may combine muscle testing with nerve root or peripheral nerve testing to localize lesions.

Interpretation requires consideration of age, sex, limb dominance, and body size, as well as patient effort, pain, and fatigue. MMT has limited sensitivity for mild weakness and suffers from inter-rater variability; dynamometers improve objectivity but require equipment and standard protocols.

Muskeltests are used for baseline evaluation, track rehabilitation progress, preoperative assessment, and in neuromuscular disorders. They should be integrated with other clinical findings for accurate conclusions.