Resisted Isometric Movement Testing

The Resisted Isometric Movement testing was an examination developed by Cyriax. It was originally called resisted movements, and is sometimes known as the resisted isometrics.

Contractile structures: Structures that can shorten and elongate in length like a muscle

Inert structures: Structures in the human body that cannot shorten or elongate in length. Eg: ligaments, tendons, capsule, bursa.

Procedure:

The joint is positioned in mid range, keeping the inert tissues off of stretch and there must be no movement at the joint

Muscles other than the testing muscles must not be included. Hence trick movements from surrounding muscles must be avoided.

The patient must be instructed to exert a maximal effort during the test.

Examiner must be attentive in identifying pain or weakness that would be due to a nerve involvement