It can also be used in hospitals andphysical therapyto aid with rehabilitation from an injury or illness.
It can also be used to measure the person’s response to treatment.
The MRC scale is preferred by many because it is convenient, safe, and requires minimal training.
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Strength is assessed by how forceful the muscle contraction is.
Today, it is commonly used inintensive care units (ICUs)to diagnoseICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW).
The diagnosis helps direct the appropriate course of treatment and helps predict the likely outcome (prognosis).
A score of less than 48 is diagnostic of ICUAW.
The test is performed by placing the body part in a position where it is not influenced by gravity.
After the dynamometer is positioned against the muscle, the patient exerts pressure for several seconds.
A reading in pounds or kilograms is then displayed.
These readings can be used to track performance as you undergo physical therapy.
A dynamometer may be used on its own or with MRC grading depending on the condition.
Both have their advantages and weaknesses.
Summary
Muscle strength grading is used to measure the force of a muscle against gravity and/or resistance.
UK Research and Innovation.MRC muscle scale.
2016;68(1):15-22. doi:10.3138/ptc.2014-62
