Test Positioning- ROM/MMT

It is important to palpate for bony landmarks on a client for a few reasons. One important reason for this is so the therapist can locate the spot they need to place the goniometer. They would need to make sure the goniometer is positioned correctly, so they could see the correct amount of degrees for the client's ROM. This helps with the accuracy of the test itself. Another reason to use bony landmarks is because they want to be able to find bony segments that need to be stabilized when testing muscles. Stabilization of certain areas while testing on a client is important, so they won't try to compensate for whatever motion they are attempting to make. Lastly, the therapist would want to locate any bony, or soft tissue irregularities that might affect the client's ROM. Proper positioning is also very important as well because the therapist would want to keep the client in a comfortable position, and one that is going to give them the most accurate results for their ROM testing.

The "test-position" is important for MMT because the therapist would want to be able to place the client in such a way that their muscle is creating the most cross-bridges. This would be the "mid-range" position, and this ensures that the muscle being tested is in optimal position for contraction.

Lastly, gravity eliminated positions are used to help client's that are not ready to test against gravity yet. They may not be strong enough to perform the motions with gravity weighing them down. Therefore, the therapist would need to place the client in such a way that the motion being tested is parallel with the ground. These gravity eliminated positions will help them to work with the therapist, so that they can eventually perform tests against gravity.