lab 8

What is the purpose of Gross Muscle Testing (GMT)?

Rapid screening of overall muscle strength and functional movement patterns

When is GMT preferred over isolated MMT?

When weakness is generalized, time is limited, or a functional overview is needed

What MMT grade generally corresponds to full ROM against gravity with maximal resistance?

5/5 (Normal)

What MMT grade generally corresponds to full ROM against gravity with moderate resistance?

4/5 (Good)

What MMT grade generally corresponds to full ROM against gravity with no resistance?

3/5 (Fair)

What MMT grade generally corresponds to full ROM in gravity-eliminated position?

2/5 (Poor)

What MMT grade generally corresponds to palpable contraction without movement?

1/5 (Trace)

What MMT grade generally corresponds to no contraction?

0/5 (Zero)

What is a major limitation of traditional MMT in older adults?

May not reflect real-world functional ability

Why are functional assessments often preferred in older adults?

Better prediction of mobility, fall risk, and independence

What type of information do functional assessments provide that MMT does not?

Performance during real-life activities

What is the purpose of the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test?

Assess lower extremity strength and functional mobility

How is the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test performed?

Rise from a chair and sit down 5 times as quickly as possible

What impairments can prolong Five Times Sit-to-Stand performance?

LE weakness, balance deficits, pain, or decreased endurance

Which muscle groups are primarily assessed during sit-to-stand?

Quadriceps, gluteals, and trunk stabilizers

What is the purpose of the 30-Second Chair Stand Test?

Assess lower body functional strength and endurance

How is the 30-Second Chair Stand Test performed?

Count number of stands completed in 30 seconds

What patient population commonly uses the 30-Second Chair Stand Test?

Older adults

What is the purpose of the Timed Up and Go (TUG)?

Assess functional mobility and fall risk

How is the TUG performed?

Stand from chair, walk, turn, return, and sit

What components of movement are assessed during the TUG?

Transfers, gait, turning, and balance

A prolonged TUG may indicate what?

Increased fall risk and reduced mobility

What is the purpose of the Functional Reach Test?

Assess dynamic standing balance

How is the Functional Reach Test performed?

Reach forward while maintaining fixed base of support

A shorter reach distance suggests what?

Increased fall risk and impaired balance

What is the purpose of gait speed testing?

Assess overall mobility and function

Why is gait speed considered a “vital sign” in older adults?

Strong predictor of function, disability, and mortality

What systems influence gait speed?

Strength, balance, endurance, coordination, and cognition

What is the purpose of stair-climbing tests?

Assess LE strength, power, balance, and endurance

Which muscle groups are heavily involved in stair climbing?

Quadriceps, gluteals, plantarflexors

Why may stair tests reveal deficits not seen during level walking?

Higher force demands are required

What is the purpose of a single-leg stance test?

Assess static balance and fall risk

What impairments can reduce single-leg stance time?

Weakness, vestibular dysfunction, sensory loss, or poor balance

Why are endurance tests important when assessing older adults?

Function often depends on sustaining activity rather than generating maximal force once

What is a limitation of isolated MMT for endurance assessment?

MMT measures strength, not fatigue resistance

What is the purpose of alternatives to MMT?

Evaluate functional performance when isolated strength testing is insufficient

Why might a patient have normal MMT findings but poor function?

Deficits in balance, endurance, coordination, pain tolerance, or motor control

Why should PTs combine MMT with functional testing?

Provides a more complete picture of patient ability

A patient demonstrates 5/5 quadriceps strength but struggles to rise from a chair. What impairments should be considered?

Balance deficits, pain, poor motor control, endurance limitations, or impaired coordination

A patient performs well on MMT but walks very slowly. What additional system may be limiting function?

Endurance, balance, cardiovascular capacity, or gait mechanics

Why are functional tests particularly valuable in geriatric populations?

They better reflect independence and daily activity performance

What is the primary difference between MMT and functional testing?

MMT measures isolated muscle strength; functional testing measures task performance

A patient can generate normal force during plantarflexion MMT but cannot complete repeated heel raises. What impairment is most likely present?

Muscular endurance deficit

A patient completes the TUG slowly and uses hands to stand. What body systems may need further examination?

Strength, balance, mobility, and coordination

Why should clinicians not rely solely on manual muscle grades when making treatment decisions?

Functional performance often depends on multiple interacting systems beyond strength alone