Daniels and Worthingham's Muscle Testing

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Muscle Grading Scale

Table 3. Daniels and Worthingham's

Grade	Description
0	Complete lack of voluntary muscle contraction. The examiner is unable to feel or see any muscle contraction
1	Faint or “flicker” muscle contraction without any movement of the limb. The examiner can see or palpate some contractile activity of the muscle/s or may be able to see or feel the tendon “pop up” or tense as the person tries to perform the contraction.
2-	Gravity eliminated movement that is less than full range of motion.
2	Very weak muscle contraction with movement through complete range of motion in a position that eliminates or minimizes the force of gravity.
2+	In gravity minimized position, completes full available range and holds end position against mild resistance; or against gravity, completes up to half of the full range of motion.
3-	Against gravity, more than half but less than full range of motion.
3	Muscle can complete a full range of motion against only the resistance of gravity.
3+	Completes full range of motion against gravity, and holds end position against mild resistance.
4	Able to complete the full range of motion against gravity and can tolerate strong resistance without breaking the test position. The Grade 4 muscle clearly breaks with maximal resistance.
5	Able to complete full range of motion and maintain end point range position against maximal resistance. The examiner cannot break the Athlete’s hold position.

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