Position the patient
Stabilize proximally
Ask for active movement
Apply resistance
Palpate muscle
Grade | Description | Criteria |
5 | Normal (N) | Full ROM against gravity, maximal resistance |
4 | Good (G) | Full ROM against gravity, moderate resistance |
3 | Fair (F) | Full ROM against gravity, no resistance |
2 | Poor (P) | Full ROM in gravity-eliminated position, no resistance |
1 | Trace (T) | No movement, but palpable or visible muscle contraction |
0 | Zero (0) | No contraction, no movement or muscle activity |