muskelscreening

Muskelscreening is a set of procedures and tests used to evaluate muscle health, strength, and function, and to detect neuromuscular disorders. It is applied in clinical care, sports medicine, and research to identify abnormal muscle status and monitor responses to treatment or training.

Clinical assessment typically begins with patient history and a physical examination focused on muscle bulk, tone, reflexes, and strength. Manual muscle testing and standardized strength scales (such as the Medical Research Council scale) are commonly used, often complemented by quantitative measurements with hand-held or isokinetic dynamometers.

Electrophysiological and metabolic testing may be employed when more detail is needed. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies assess muscle and nerve integrity, while serum biomarkers such as creatine kinase and lactate can indicate muscle injury or metabolic myopathies.

Imaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound, visualize muscle morphology, fat infiltration, edema, and other pathologies. In suspected genetic or inflammatory myopathies, genetic testing or muscle biopsy may be pursued to establish a definitive diagnosis.

Screening aims differ by context. In primary care or population settings, muskelscreening seeks to detect signs suggesting neuromuscular disease or to establish baseline function, while in sports medicine it may evaluate injury risk, performance capacity, or condition-related fatigue. In geriatrics, screening can help identify sarcopenia and guide interventions.

Limitations include variability in testing protocols, dependence on patient cooperation, and the need for specialized interpretation. A single test rarely provides a diagnosis; muskelscreening is typically part of an integrated clinical assessment.

History and practice developed with advances in neuromuscular medicine during the 20th and 21st centuries, with guidelines issued by professional societies to standardize procedures and interpretation. See also neuromuscular examination, sarcopenia, muscular dystrophy, and sports medicine screening.