MMT Techniques and Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When testing the gluteus maximus for a grade 3, in which position is the patient placed?
- Supine with hip flexed
- Prone with knee flexed to 90° (Correct answer)
- Side-lying on the tested side
- Sitting with trunk supported
Correct answer: Prone with knee flexed to 90°
The gluteus maximus is tested prone with the knee flexed to 90° to isolate hip extension against gravity.
Question 2: Which MMT grade is assigned when a muscle produces a visible or palpable contraction but no joint movement occurs?
- Grade 0
- Grade 1 (Correct answer)
- Grade 2
- Grade 2-
Correct answer: Grade 1
Grade 1 (Trace) indicates a visible or palpable contraction with no resultant joint movement.
Question 3: During MMT of the hip abductors, where should the examiner apply resistance?
- Proximal to the knee on the lateral thigh (Correct answer)
- At the ankle on the lateral aspect
- At the iliac crest
- Just above the lateral malleolus
Correct answer: Proximal to the knee on the lateral thigh
Resistance is applied proximal to the knee on the lateral thigh to avoid stressing the knee joint.
Question 4: 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- (Correct answer)
- Applying minimal resistance in the anti-gravity position
- Testing the contralateral limb for comparison
- Using a handheld dynamometer reading below 10 N
Correct answer: Gravity-eliminated position with partial ROM noted as grade 2-
A grade 2- is recorded when the muscle moves through partial ROM only in a gravity-eliminated position.
Question 5: What is the recommended duration for applying manual resistance during a standard MMT 'break test'?
- 1 second
- 3–5 seconds (Correct answer)
- 8–10 seconds
- 15 seconds
Correct answer: 3–5 seconds
A steady resistance is held for approximately 3–5 seconds to allow the examiner to assess the muscle's ability to hold.
Question 6: During MMT of the serratus anterior, what compensatory movement indicates substitution?
- Excessive trunk lateral flexion
- Winging of the scapula during the test
- Shoulder elevation by the upper trapezius (Correct answer)
- Forward head posture
Correct answer: Shoulder elevation by the upper trapezius
Upper trapezius activation causing shoulder elevation is the most common substitution when serratus anterior is weak.
Question 7: In MMT, which position eliminates gravity for testing elbow flexion?
- Supine with arm at side
- Sitting with shoulder in 90° abduction and forearm horizontal (Correct answer)
- Prone with shoulder abducted to 90°
- Side-lying on the untested side with arm supported
Correct answer: Sitting with shoulder in 90° abduction and forearm horizontal
Positioning the shoulder in 90° abduction with the forearm moving horizontally eliminates gravity from the elbow flexors.
MMT Techniques and Procedures 2
When testing the gluteus maximus for a grade 3, in which position is the patient placed?