Manual Muscle Testing: Elbow Flexion
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.[1]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Hislop H, Avers D, Brown M. Daniels and Worthingham's muscle Testing-E-Book: Techniques of manual examination and performance testing. Elsevier Health Sciences; 2013 Sep 27.
