Manual Muscle Testing: Elbow Flexion

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Muscles Involved:[edit | edit source]

Biceps Brachii

Brachialis

Brachioradialis

Patient Positioning[edit | edit source]

Grades 2 to 5 testing - patient is seated

Grades 0 to 1 testing - patient is supine

Start in full extension

Hand positioning depends on specific muscle:

Biceps: supination

Brachialis: pronation

Brachioradialis: midposition

Joint start Position[edit | edit source]

  • Start in full available elbow extension range.
  • Hand positioning depends on specific muscle being tested:

Biceps: forearm in supination

Brachialis: forearm in pronation

Brachioradialis: forearm in midposition between supination and pronation

Therapist Position[edit | edit source]

Therapist at test side

Ensure wrist flexors are not contracting

To Test[edit | edit source]

  • Patient is to flex elbow to full available range
  • Grades 4 and 5 with resistance over flexor surface at the distal forearm with force in the direction opposite to flexion.

References[edit | edit source]