blog post 2

It is important to use bony landmarks and proper positioning for measuring ROM because of intrarater and interrater reliability. We need to be able to know where to place the axis of the goniometer on the client each time so that we measure movement with the best reliability. Intrarater reliability is when only one therapist is measuring the ROM of the client. Interrater reliability is when multiple therapist test the same clients ROM. Increased reliability for ROM occurs in interrater reliability if each therapist uses the same goniometer. However, intrarater reliability is better than interrater reliability. Increasing reliability of MMT should be conducted at the same time of day to avoid carrying levels of fatigue, by the same therapist, in the same environment, using the same patient positions, and following a standard testing protocol.

              The purpose of an MMT test is to test muscle weakness and for data collection. Some factors that effect muscle strength are client factors, environmental factors, physiological factors, and motivational factors. The break test is the most common type of MMT test and is used when the client is placed in optimal position for contraction. The client can either be tested against gravity or in a gravity eliminated position. When the client is testing their ROM against gravity then resistance is being applied. However, if the client has a 3 out of 5 or lower on the MMT scale, they will be tested in gravity eliminated position. Gravity eliminated position is where the client is positioned parallel to the ground. In this position no resistance is being applied. When the client is tested against gravity, they are positioned perpendicular to the ground. “Test position” for MMT is the position in which the muscle is placed for optimal muscle contraction and proximal stabilization.