Muscle work can be measured through different methods, but two common, inexpensive, and portable techniques include manual muscle testing (MMT) and handheld dynamometry (HHD).
Methods for Measuring Muscle Work
Here's a closer look at these methods:
1. Manual Muscle Testing (MMT)
- Description: MMT is a hands-on approach where a trained examiner assesses a patient's ability to resist force applied to a specific muscle or muscle group. It is inexpensive, requiring no equipment other than the examiner's hands, and highly portable.
- Procedure: The examiner positions the patient and applies manual pressure against the muscle. The patient’s ability to hold against that pressure is subjectively graded.
- Grading Scale: MMT typically uses a 0-5 or 0-10 scale where:
- 0 indicates no contraction.
- 5 or 10 indicates normal strength against maximum resistance.
- The remaining grades represent various degrees of weakness.
- Pros:
- Cost-effective: No specialized equipment needed.
- Portability: Can be done anywhere.
- Quick: Relatively fast to perform.
- Cons:
- Subjective: Relies on the examiner's judgment and can be prone to inconsistency between testers.
- Limited Sensitivity: May not detect small changes in strength.
2. Handheld Dynamometry (HHD)
- Description: HHD uses a device to objectively measure the force produced by a muscle. It is also inexpensive and highly portable.
- Procedure: The examiner applies the handheld dynamometer to the part of the body which is moved by the muscle being tested. The patient is asked to push against the device with maximal effort, and the device measures the force in units such as pounds or Newtons.
- Measurement: HHD provides a numerical value of muscle strength at a specific joint angle, usually quantified in either pounds or Newtons.
- Pros:
- Objective: Offers a quantitative measure of muscle strength.
- Reliable: Provides greater consistency compared to MMT.
- Sensitive: Can detect subtle changes in muscle strength.
- Cons:
- Requires equipment: Although portable, you need to have a dynamometer available.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) | Handheld Dynamometry (HHD) |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | None | Handheld Dynamometer |
| Cost | Inexpensive | Inexpensive |
| Portability | High | High |
| Objectivity | Subjective | Objective |
| Sensitivity | Limited | Greater |
| Measurement | Qualitative Grading | Quantitative Force |
Practical Considerations
- Both methods can be very useful tools in assessing muscle strength and work when used by a trained assessor.
- Selection of measurement depends on factors like available resources and the level of precision needed.
- MMT is valuable for quick assessments in situations where equipment is not available.
- HHD is more precise and is beneficial for following the changes in muscle strength over time.
