How Can an Occupational Therapist Assess Functionality and Strength?

Occupational therapists may assess functionality and strength by measuring the range of motion (ROM) and manual muscle testing (MMT). ROM is the distance a joint can move in different planes (e.g. flexion, extension, rotation, elevation, depression). Therapists use goniometers to measure the degrees a joint can move. Bony landmarks and proper positioning is important to accurately measure the joint. For example, you would lay supine (facing upward) on a mat with your hips and knees flexed (reducing anterior pelvic tilt) with your arms at your side, elbows extended and wrist neutral. This position is important to prevent you from compensatory movements, such as arching your trunk, while the therapist measures shoulder flexion. The therapist would then align the axis of the goniometer (center swivel) with the acromion process (bony landmark). This allows the therapist to accurately align with the joint that is not visible. This ensures the therapist does not over- or underestimate the measurement.

The therapist has measured your shoulder flexion. Next, they must determine how strong the joint is in flexion. This is achieved through manual muscle testing (MMT). The purpose of the test position is to ensure stabilization at one segment to allow accurate testing at another. This ensures that no compensatory movements occur that affects testing. MMT can be achieved against gravity or in a gravity eliminated position. MMT in the gravity eliminated position is typically for those who are too weak to be tested against gravity, while testing against gravity is generally for those who can tolerate more stress.

Retrieved from https://incident-prevention.com/ip-articles/the-causes-and-prevention-of-shoulder-injuries-in-the-electric-distribution-field