Is manual muscle testing valid?

The overall validity and reliability of manual muscle testing across a variety of patient populations cannot be accurately determined due to the small number of articles that have been published. According to the multiple studies included in the systematic review, validity of manual muscle testing has shown to be poor.

How long do you hold manual muscle testing?

Attempt to use back-up testers of a similar stature to the primary tester. All MMT in this range should involve a force application time of 3 seconds.

What are the limitations of manual muscle testing?

The limitations of manual muscle testing arise from the subjective nature of the testing. Because the tester must provide the external resistance, this force may be variable between testers. The variability results in interrater reliability values that are unac- ceptable given other more reliable methods.

What is MMT test?

2) DEFINITION OF MMT:  Manual muscle test (MMT) is a procedure for the evaluation of strength of individual muscle or muscles group, based upon the effective performance of a movement in relation to the forces of gravity or Manual Resistance through the available Range of motion (ROM).

What is the limitation of MMT?

An important limitation of MMT using the MRC score system is the 6-point ordinal scale. Muscle strength testing using a hand held dynamometer is less commonly used but has the advantage of using a ratio scale for measurement.

What is the difference between MMT and ROM?

Point of Information: ROM and MMT can be seen as both different and similar. They are different in that in ROM we are measuring joint movement; in MMT we are measuring muscle strength.

How do I check my MMT?

Procedure. For each muscle tested, the examiner stands to the side being tested, and the patient is sitting upright and positioned to allow full movement of the joint against gravity. The examiner demonstrates the desired movement against gravity. The examiner then requests the patient to repeat the motion.

Is there good evidence for the use of MMT?

With regard to analysis there is evidence for good reliability and validity in the use of MMT for patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction.

How to evaluate the reliability of MMT and HHD?

To evaluate the reliability and validity of MMT and HHD, maximum isometric strength was measured in eight muscle groups across three measurement events. To evaluate reliability of HHD, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), the standard error of measurements (SEM) and smallest detectable changes (SDC) were calculated.

Is the reliability of manual muscle testing good?

According to the multiple studies included in the systematic review, validity of manual muscle testing has shown to be poor. Alternatively, according to multiple studies included in the systematic review, interrater reliability of manual muscle testing has shown to be good.

Is the MMT used by physical therapists and chiropractors?

The MMT employed by chiropractors, physical therapists, and neurologists was shown to be a clinically useful tool, but its ultimate scientific validation and application requires testing that employs sophisticated research models in the areas of neurophysiology, biomechanics, RCTs, and statistical analysis.