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Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Manual Muscle Testing: A Method of Measuring Extremity Muscle Strength Applied to Critically Ill Patients
Published on: April 12, 2011
Muscle weakness and functional disability in patients with myasthenia gravis
Lotte Vinge1, Johannes Jakobsen1, Henning Andersen1
1Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Noerrebrogade 44, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark.
Introduction:
Muscle weakness and functional disability have not been evaluated in a population-based study of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG).
Methods:
All patients with MG in a well-defined catchment area were identified in the Danish National Patient Registry. Of the 175 eligible patients, 90 participated and were studied using MG-specific scales, isometric dynamometry, and functional tests. Fifty age- and sex-matched subjects served as controls.
Results:
Muscle strength was reduced by 13%, 21%, and 12% for shoulder abduction, knee extension, and ankle extension, respectively (P < 0.05). Chair stand and 400-meter walking were impaired by 24% and 23%, respectively (P < 0.05). Muscle strength and functional performances were related to MG-specific scales.
Discussion:
MG patients have moderately reduced isometric muscle strength and impaired physical performance. Muscle weakness and functional tests relate closely to MG-specific scales, suggesting that dynamometry and functional tests can be used to monitor MG patients and as efficacy parameters in clinical trials. Muscle Nerve 59:218-223, 2019.
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