Manual muscle testing (MMT) is a procedure used to evaluate the strength and function of specific muscles or muscle groups. When it comes to testing the muscles around the knee, MMT can help assess the integrity and strength of the muscles involved in knee movement and stabilization. Here's a general outline of the manual muscle testing process for key muscles around the knee:
Grading scale: The strength is graded on a scale of 0 to 5:
- 0: No contraction.
- 1: Flicker contraction, but no movement.
- 2: Movement with gravity eliminated (i.e., in supine position).
- 3: Movement against gravity
- 4: Movement against some resistance
- 5: Normal strength.
Quadriceps (knee extension):
Position the individual lying on their back with the knee extended.
Place one hand just above the ankle to stabilize the lower leg.
Apply resistance just above the foot, pushing in a downward direction as the individual attempts to straighten their knee.
Gradually increase the resistance while instructing the person to maintain the knee extension.
Assess the strength on a scale from 0 to 5, where 0 represents no muscle contraction and 5 indicates normal strength.
Hamstrings (knee flexion):
Position the individual lying on their stomach with the knee flexed to 90 degrees.
Stabilize the thigh by placing one hand just above the knee joint.
Apply resistance at the heel, pulling in an upward direction as the person attempts to flex their knee against the resistance.
Increase the resistance gradually while instructing the individual to maintain knee flexion.
Use the 0 to 5 scale to evaluate the strength of the hamstrings.
Gastrocnemius and Soleus (ankle plantar flexion):
Position the individual sitting on the edge of a table or chair with their knees flexed to 90 degrees and feet off the ground.
Stabilize the lower leg by holding just above the ankle.
Apply resistance against the ball of the foot, pushing in a downward direction as the person attempts to point their toes downward.
Increase the resistance gradually while assessing the strength.
Use the 0 to 5 scale to rate the strength of ankle plantar flexion.
Remember, manual muscle testing should be performed by a trained professional, such as a physical therapist or healthcare provider, who has knowledge of proper technique and precautions. The procedure may vary depending on the specific muscle being tested and the individual's condition.
