If stabilization during elbow flexion MMT is not applied correctly, what may occur?

If stabilization during elbow flexion MMT is not applied correctly, what may occur?

• A. Shoulder or trunk movement.
• B. Increased resistance at the elbow.
• C. Faster test completion.
• D. Improved accuracy.

Answer: (A)

Stabilizing the proximal segments during elbow flexion testing is what keeps the effort focused on the elbow flexors and prevents substitutions from the shoulder or trunk. When the stabilization isn’t applied correctly, the person can recruit movements from the shoulder girdle or trunk to help the elbow bend. You’ll often see the shoulder advance or the trunk tilt or rotate, which means the motion isn’t coming solely from the elbow flexors. That compensatory movement makes the test unreliable, because other muscles are contributing to the motion and the resistance isn’t truly isolating the intended muscle group. In short, improper stabilization leads to shoulder or trunk movement as a substitute, rather than giving an accurate read of elbow flexor strength.

Stabilizing the proximal segments during elbow flexion testing is what keeps the effort focused on the elbow flexors and prevents substitutions from the shoulder or trunk. When the stabilization isn’t applied correctly, the person can recruit movements from the shoulder girdle or trunk to help the elbow bend. You’ll often see the shoulder advance or the trunk tilt or rotate, which means the motion isn’t coming solely from the elbow flexors. That compensatory movement makes the test unreliable, because other muscles are contributing to the motion and the resistance isn’t truly isolating the intended muscle group. In short, improper stabilization leads to shoulder or trunk movement as a substitute, rather than giving an accurate read of elbow flexor strength.