How Do I Measure Muscle Power by Using Manual Muscle Testing for Wrist Flexion?

In taking stock of fitness and strength, many times wrist strength is overlooked. Wrist movement and strength are essential not only in athletic activities, but in day-to-day functional activities as well. So while the strength of the surrounding muscle groups is important as support for the wrists, it is just as important to focus attention on the wrists themselves. The standard method for evaluation of strength is the Manual Muscle Test. It is often performed on people who are recovering from a hand, wrist or forearm injury.

Things You'll Need

  • Sturdy table
  • Chair
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Instructions

    • 1

      Have the patient sit comfortably in the chair, resting his forearm on the table, palm up, fingers and elbow relaxed.

    • 2

      Place your hand flat over the patient's fingers, providing resistance.

    • 3

      Have the patient attempt to bring her palm toward her elbow against the resistance.

    • 4

      Repeat Steps 1 to 3 with the patient's hand facing palm down.

    • 5

      Rate the patient's strength on a scale of 0 to 5. A rating of 5 means that the patient can perform full range of motion against full resistance. A rating of 4 means that the patient can perform full range of motion against moderate resistance. A rating of 3 indicates that the patient can perform full range of motion, but only when resistance is removed. A rating of 2 indicates that the patient has partial to full range of motion with no resistance. A rating of 1 means that the patient has little to partial range of motion with no resistance. A rating of 0 means that the patient has very little or no range of motion with no resistance.