Name of the Procedure:

Muscle Testing, Manual (Separate Procedure) with Report; Extremity (Excluding Hand) or Trunk

• Common Names: Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), Manual Strength Testing

Summary

Manual muscle testing is a procedure used to evaluate the strength and function of specific muscle groups in the extremities (excluding the hand) and trunk. A healthcare professional will assess each muscle's ability to contract while providing resistance.

Purpose

The primary goal of manual muscle testing is to identify muscle weakness or imbalance which may be associated with conditions like nerve damage, muscle disorders, or recovery from injury. The results assist in diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring progress.

Indications

• Unexplained muscle weakness or atrophy
• Neurological conditions such as stroke or spinal cord injury
• Musculoskeletal injuries or conditions like strains and sprains
• Post-surgical recovery assessment
• Balance or gait abnormalities

Preparation

• No specific fasting or medication adjustments are usually required.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing to allow easy access to the muscles being tested.
• The clinician may review the patient's medical history and symptoms.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned comfortably, either sitting, standing, or lying down based on the muscle group being tested.
2. The healthcare professional asks the patient to contract a muscle or muscle group.
3. The professional provides resistance to the contraction while assessing the muscle's strength and endurance.
4. This process is repeated for each relevant muscle group.
   • Tools: Typically, no special tools are required, just the clinician's hands and sometimes a measuring device.
   • Anesthesia/Sedation: Not required, as this is a non-invasive procedure.

Duration

• Typically lasts between 15-30 minutes, depending on the number of muscles being tested.

Setting

• Can be performed in a variety of settings including a doctor’s office, outpatient clinic, or physical therapy center.

Personnel

• Usually conducted by a healthcare professional such as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or physician.

Risks and Complications

• Minimal risks; might cause slight discomfort or muscle fatigue.
• Rarely, pre-existing injuries may be exacerbated during testing.

Benefits

• Accurate assessment of muscle function and strength.
• Identifies specific muscles that require targeted therapy.
• Helps in tracking progress over time.

Recovery

• No specific recovery period; patients can generally resume normal activities immediately.
• Any discomfort is usually mild and short-lived.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to reassess progress.

Alternatives

• Instrumental strength testing using devices like dynamometers.
• Electromyography (EMG) for more detailed muscle and nerve function analysis.
  • Pros: Instrumental methods may provide more precise data.
  • Cons: They can be more time-consuming and expensive.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure: Patients may feel mild resistance and some muscle strain.
• After the procedure: Slight tiredness or temporary muscle soreness in the tested area is possible.
• Pain Management: Generally unnecessary, but inform the provider if discomfort occurs for adjustments.