ROM & MMT - Why is Testing Position Important?

This blog post will discuss the importance of testing positioning in two common tests used during therapeutic sessions, range of motion (ROM) tests and manual muscles tests (MMT). ROM tests are performed to determine the distance in which a client is able to move a specific joint, while MMT is performed in order to determine muscle weakness/strength in a client. When performing ROM and MMT, one of the most important aspects is the positioning of both the client and the therapist.  

During a ROM test, it is important for the client to be positioned in a way that allows the joint being measured to comfortably start in a zero degree starting position. It is also important for the therapist to know which bony landmarks to palpate for each joint so that the proper joint angle is being measured. Lastly the positioning of the goniometer is of utmost importance in order to ensure that an accurate measurement of the proper joint is being recorded; therefore the therapist should place the stationary arm of the goniometer in line with proximal segment of the body and the moving arm of the goniometer should be in line with the distal segment of the body. 

During a MMT, the client should be asked to move through their full ROM so that the therapist can determine if the client is able to perform the movement against gravity, as well as determine the midpoint of that ROM. Positioning the client in the middle of their ROM is important for MMT because it allows for optimal contraction of the muscle being tested. If the client is unable to perform the movement against, it is important to position the body so that the moving segment is parallel to the ground in order to eliminate the force of gravity; this is considered a gravity eliminating position. Lastly, it is important for the therapist to apply their force to the distal segment of the client without crossing another joint and without causing pain or discomfort for the client.