Continually Testing: Biomechanics

 

As a future occupational therapy practitioner, I have been learning about Range of Motion and Manual Muscle Testing in Biomechanics, and how they are used in occupational therapy. When discussing Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), testing positioning, and Range of Motion (ROM), these terms play huge roles in the world of occupational therapy. Occupational therapists use these tools daily when assessing clients’ mobility, strength, and functioning levels. These assessments allow therapists to gauge physiological skills and see if there are any limitations. 

Occupational Therapist use the goniometer to test a clients’ range of motion in individual joints of the body. We use these measurements to have baselines for clients so we can set goals for the future, assess progress, and demonstrate gains for the client. Using bony landmarks is one of the most important sets to measuring range of motion because it allows for you to find the correct positioning of the client and where the joint is to get accurate measurements. Proper positioning of the client allows for measurements to be more accurate and allows the client to facilitate full ROM. Outside factors can change the consistency; for example, not positioning the client the exact same way, measuring at a different time of day, having a different therapist take measurements, and testing in different positions. When positioning a client, you want to make sure they can move their joint freely to determine the available range of motion. Then, you will put the client in the best position that will isolate movement of the joint that is being assessed. Once the client is in place, you will place the axis on the joint that is moving and slide the “moving arm” to determine the degree of motion. 

Manual Muscle Testing is another assessment that is used regularly and measures muscle strength and function. The Break test is performed by putting the client in mid-range of motion and having the client push against the resistance distally. This test puts the joint in the optimal position for contraction with the client holding against the examiners force statically for 4 seconds. The practitioner should palpate the muscle groups. This determines if the strength or function is in normal ranges. Since gravity takes a place during these tests, we try to perform gravity eliminated positions that are parallel to the ground. Using this way of testing allows for the practitioner to see if the client can use their our body weight to perform the task. If so, the therapist can start to apply an outside force. This ensures that the client is not hurt and to prevention further injury to a muscle or joint.