When documenting a muscle with strength 4+ on MMT, which description best matches this grade?

When documenting a muscle with strength 4+ on MMT, which description best matches this grade?

• A. Record as 3+/5
• B. Record as 4/5
• C. Record as 4+/5 (good strength with full ROM against gravity and moderate resistance)
• D. Record as 5/5

Answer: (C)

In manual muscle testing, documentation reflects two things: whether the limb moves through the full range of motion against gravity, and how much resistance the examiner can apply. The plus sign shows a strength level just above the base grade but not full normal strength. A grade of 4+ means the person can move through the full range against gravity and can tolerate a moderate amount of manual resistance, but they do not reach normal strength. That’s why the best description to document is 4+/5 with full ROM against gravity and moderate resistance.

In manual muscle testing, documentation reflects two things: whether the limb moves through the full range of motion against gravity, and how much resistance the examiner can apply. The plus sign shows a strength level just above the base grade but not full normal strength. A grade of 4+ means the person can move through the full range against gravity and can tolerate a moderate amount of manual resistance, but they do not reach normal strength. That’s why the best description to document is 4+/5 with full ROM against gravity and moderate resistance.