Considerations and Practical Options for Measuring Muscle Strength: A Narrative Review
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Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Manual Muscle Testing: A Method of Measuring Extremity Muscle Strength Applied to Critically Ill Patients
Published on: April 12, 2011
1Department of Physical Therapy, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Campbell University, Lillington, NC, USA.
Abstract:
Muscle strength impairments are related to mobility limitations and other untoward outcomes. This narrative review, therefore, describes considerations relative to the definition and measurement of muscle strength. Thereafter, practical options for measuring muscle strength are described and their clinimetric properties are delineated. Information provided herein may help students, clinicians, and researchers select the strength tests best suited to their research needs and limitations.
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