Assessment - Motor - Strength Testing [L2 to S1]

Muscle strength is tested from the proximal to the distal part of the extremity so that all segmental levels for the extremity are tested (for the lower extremity that is L2 to S1 -- see table). Muscle power is graded on a scale of 0-5 (see table). Strength Testing L2 -- Hip flexion L3 -- Knee extension L4 -- Knee flexion L5 -- Ankle dorsiflexon S1 -- Ankle plantar flexion Muscle Strength Grading 0 -- No contraction 1 -- Slight contraction, no movement 2 -- Full range of motion without gravity 3 -- Full range of motion with gravity 4 -- Full range of motion, some resistance 5 -- Full range of motion, full resistance Physical Assessment Guide, Motor exam. Part of a series of free resources to accompany Dr. Nikita Vizniak's Books - for more information see http://prohealthsys.com