MMT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MMT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. When the Kendall system assigns 50% strength, which Lovett equivalent does this correspond to? → Fair
2. How does the concept of 'gravity as resistance' affect which patient position is selected for MMT? → The limb is positioned so gravity either resists or assists the motion being tested
3. During MMT of the hip external rotators in the prone position, why is the knee flexed to 90°? → To use gravity as resistance to the rotational movement
4. Forearm pronation weakness during MMT most directly implicates which nerve? → Median nerve
5. Which nerve innervates the deltoid muscle, making it the primary nerve tested during shoulder abduction MMT? → Axillary nerve
6. When performing MMT on a patient who is 32 weeks pregnant, which position should generally be avoided? → Supine
7. Which study approach is most effective for Special Considerations material? → Active recall with practice questions
8. Which position is used when performing gravity-eliminated testing of the trunk rotators? → Side-lying with hips at 90°
9. Which of the following best describes the difference between 'Active' and 'Isometric' MMT testing methods? → Active testing measures ROM while isometric measures force at a fixed position
10. During MMT of the middle trapezius, in which position should the shoulder be placed? → 90° of abduction with horizontal abduction
11. Which tool is commonly used to standardize resistance in MMT? → Dynamometer
12. A Grade 3+ for trunk lateral flexion indicates: → Full range against gravity plus tolerance of minimal resistance
13. Which MMT grade best describes a muscle that moves a limb through partial ROM with gravity eliminated? → Grade 2-
14. In the Kendall MMT system, the percentage score assigned to a normal (Grade 5) muscle is: → 100%
15. During cervical spine assessment, weak shoulder shrug on MMT combined with weak head rotation to the opposite side suggests involvement of which structure? → Spinal accessory nerve (CN XI)
16. Which modification is recommended when performing MMT on a patient with lymphedema in the tested extremity? → Apply resistance proximally and avoid distal pressure that could impede lymph flow
17. In MMT testing of the infraspinatus, the patient is prone with the shoulder abducted to 90° and elbow flexed. Resistance is applied to: → The posterior forearm in the direction of internal rotation
18. What is the process of elimination in multiple-choice testing? → Ruling out obviously incorrect answers to improve odds
19. What compensatory movement should the examiner watch for when testing the rhomboids? → Shoulder elevation replacing scapular retraction by the upper trapezius
20. What is the most effective study technique according to research? → Active recall with spaced repetition
21. Which technique is used to assess a grade 2 muscle when full gravity-eliminated ROM cannot be achieved? → Gravity-eliminated position with partial ROM noted as grade 2-
22. When documenting trunk MMT for a patient with chronic low back pain, Grade 4- for extension means: → Full range against gravity, resists only a minimal force before yielding
23. Which factor most compromises the reliability of MMT when comparing results between two different examiners? → Examiner hand placement and applied force variation
24. Why should MMT not be performed immediately after fatiguing exercise? → Fatigue artificially lowers muscle grade
25. When testing elbow flexors, which forearm position best isolates the brachioradialis? → Neutral (midposition)
26. When performing MMT on a patient with myasthenia gravis, the therapist should be aware that muscle strength may: → Be greater in the morning and deteriorate with repeated testing
27. During MMT of the gluteus maximus, what motion is being resisted? → Hip extension
28. When positioning a patient to test the soleus independently from the gastrocnemius, the knee should be: → Flexed to approximately 90°
29. How does MMT contribute to rehabilitation programs? → It monitors muscle strength improvements over time.
30. For MMT of the quadriceps (knee extension) against gravity, the patient is positioned: → Seated at the edge of the table with knee flexed to 90°