In muscle function testing, what does grade 0 indicate?

In muscle function testing, what does grade 0 indicate?

• A. Palpable or visible contraction
• B. Total paralysis
• C. Active movement with full ROM against gravity
• D. Active movement with full ROM against gravity and some resistance

Answer: (B)

In muscle function testing, strength is graded on a scale from 0 to 5. Grade 0 means there is no detectable contraction of the muscle group at all. You cannot palpate a contraction or observe any twitch when the patient attempts to move—the muscle is effectively paralyzed. This is different from a trace contraction (you can feel or see a tiny contraction without any joint movement), and from movements against gravity with or without resistance (grades 3–5). So the best description for zero contraction is total paralysis.

In muscle function testing, strength is graded on a scale from 0 to 5. Grade 0 means there is no detectable contraction of the muscle group at all. You cannot palpate a contraction or observe any twitch when the patient attempts to move—the muscle is effectively paralyzed. This is different from a trace contraction (you can feel or see a tiny contraction without any joint movement), and from movements against gravity with or without resistance (grades 3–5). So the best description for zero contraction is total paralysis.