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Muscle Test Grading for Strength or Weakness

Several scales have been devised to grade muscle tests. Some assign numbers and others letters to score function or degree of dysfunction to the muscle or group of muscles which is being tested. The most universally accepted scoring system is that of numbers, with their interpretations as being outlined within the chart below.

Muscle Test Score Muscle Test Score Interpretation
0 Total paralysis. No detectable muscle contraction or joint movement.
1 Trace. Only a trace muscle contraction or joint movement.
2 Poor. There is sufficient muscle contraction to move the joint through a full range of motion but not against gravity, i.e. sideways or on a surface.
3 Fair. There is sufficient muscle contraction to move the joint through a full range of motion against gravity, but with no examiner resistance.
4 Good. There is sufficient muscle contraction to move the joint through a full range of motion against gravity, and against slight examiner resistance.
5 Normal. There is sufficient muscle contraction to move the joint through a full range of motion against gravity, and against full examiner resistance.

 

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