Test Positioning ROM/MMT

            Manual muscle testing (MMT) and measuring range of motion (ROM) are significant aspects of occupational therapy. The purpose of palpating and using bony landmarks when measuring for ROM is to ensure accurate placement of the goniometer. Doing this can also allow the therapist to find any abnormalities influencing or affecting the client’s ROM. Additionally, proper positioning of the client is important in order to collect and record reliable, accurate data. Proper test position of the client is also important during MMT. In order to get best results, the therapist should place the client’s joint in a mid-range position to ensure maximum strength. The client should be stabilized and positioned in a way that he or she cannot perform any compensatory movement if there is weakness present. Initially, the client should be tested against gravity. However, if the client is unable to perform against gravity due to weakness or other contraindications, he or she can be tested in a gravity eliminated (GE) position. This position allows the client’s motion to be done parallel to the floor and without the force of gravity or resistance.