Please do not over think this section. Know how to test everything but especially with gravity presented. Do not over study this material like I did. This section is kept very brief. If you are desiring a detailed over view please utilize your text books. It is wise to go through all of these test with a partner a couple of times along with the above ROM.
First thing first you must understand the MMT grades:
0: No palpable contractions
1: Trace: contraction is felt but without movement
2: Full ROM with gravity eliminated
3: Full ROM with gravity but no external resistance
4:Full ROM with gravity and moderate resistance
5: Full ROM with gravity and maximum resistance
| Gravity Present in this Position | Gravity Removed in this Position | Test with Grade 3+ Have Pt. preform motion and maintain position | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hip Flexion | Sitting with legs hanging over table | Side-lying | Apply downward force against distal end of thigh |
| Hip Extension | Prone | Side-lying | Place downward pressure against distal portion of thigh. |
| Hip Abduciton/Adduciton | Side-lying | Supine | Provide force along distal thigh either medial or lateral (opposite of what your testing for). |
| Hip Internal and External rotation | Sitting with legs hanging over table | Supine-standing or sitting | Provide force on medial/lateral aspect of foot/ankle complex while stabilizing opposite side of knee. |
| Knee Flexion | Prone (sitting) | Side-lying | Apply anterior force against posterior aspect of ankle. |
| Knee Extension | Sitting | Side-lying | Apply downward force against ankle and stabilize distal thigh with other hand. |
| Plantar Felxion | Standing | Side-lying | Apply upward force at distal end of foot while stabilizing leg with other hand. |
| Dorsiflexion | Sitting | Side-lying | Apply pressure to dorsum of foot while using you contralateral hand to stabilize leg (hold between calf and ankle). |
Remember if you knee to isolate the soleus muscle bend the knee to eliminate the gastroc muscle, as it crosses the knee joint.