Muscle Testing Grading System

Numerical Grade Description Definition

5 Normal The part moves through full ROM against gravity and takes maximal resistanc
4 Good The part moves through full ROM against gravity and takes moderate resistan
4- Good Minus The part moves through full ROM against gravity and takes less than modera
resistance.
3+ Fair Plus The part moves through full ROM against gravity and takes minimal resistanc
before it breaks.
3 Fair The part moves through full ROM against gravity and is unable to take any ad
resistance.
3- Fair minus The part moves less than full ROM against gravity.
2+ Poor plus The part moves through full ROM in a gravity-eliminated plane and takes min
resistance, and then breaks.

2 Poor The part moves through full ROM in a gravity-eliminated plane with no added
resistance.
2- Poor Minus The part moves less than full ROM in a gravity-eliminated plane, no resistanc
1 Trace Tension is palpated in the muscle or tendon, but no motion occurs at the join
0 Zero No tension is palpated in the muscle or tendon, and no motion occurs