What is a typical bedside measurement indicating normal muscle strength?

What is a typical bedside measurement indicating normal muscle strength?

• A. 5/5
• B. 3/5
• C. 4/5
• D. 2/5

Answer: (A)

Normal strength is shown when a patient can move the joint through its full range against gravity and with maximal resistance from the examiner. In bedside manual muscle testing, you apply opposing force as the patient pushes or holds a position; if the patient can sustain the movement and resist your maximum effort, that indicates intact motor power and normal strength. Any ability less than this—moving only with gravity eliminated or with partial resistance—suggests some degree of weakness.

Normal strength is shown when a patient can move the joint through its full range against gravity and with maximal resistance from the examiner. In bedside manual muscle testing, you apply opposing force as the patient pushes or holds a position; if the patient can sustain the movement and resist your maximum effort, that indicates intact motor power and normal strength. Any ability less than this—moving only with gravity eliminated or with partial resistance—suggests some degree of weakness.