This chapter provides an overview of the five-part series. The importance of muscle strength is introduced, as well as how specific, objective measurements can help with setting goals and choosing effective treatment interventions for patients.

This chapter will discuss measurements of muscle strength and how you can incorporate it with your patients. Contributors to muscle strength, both muscular and neural, are also discussed.

In this chapter, the learner will understand the rationale and purpose of strength examinations. A list of conditions and pathologies that accompany strength loss is included.

This chapter introduces the practical options for measuring muscle strength, including recommendations for what to include and not to include when measuring.

This chapter explores manual muscle testing and the testing scoring. It covers the standard grading scheme, as well as the most common alternative grading scheme.

This chapter includes demonstrations of manual muscle testing of both the upper and lower body and explains scoring the patient's movements. Indexes that represent multiple muscle actions to provide an overall indication of strength status are also discussed.

This chapter introduces handheld dynamometry and how to calibrate your dynamometer for use. The importance of test position is also covered. Included are demonstrations to ensure your dynamometer is set up correctly to get consistent results. Measurement properties of dynamometers are also discussed.

This chapter demonstrates how to use a dynamometer on a patient to perform different muscle strength tests on the body, including shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. A practice demonstration with tips on technique is also included so you can practice along and see how you do.

This chapter addresses field tests and how to modify them for your patients. The field tests included are standard sit-to-stand tests and the heel raise test, with patient demonstrations for both.

In this chapter, Billy, a patient with multiple sclerosis, is introduced. His case history and responses to the physical function scale are covered.

This chapter shows Billy performing a series of tests that were covered in the first three courses of this series to gather his baseline measurements.

This chapter covers what was found during the assessment in Chapter 2 to determine Billy's muscle strength.

This chapter includes tips on providing a patient with both positive and negative feedback on their muscle strength assessment and potential deficits. Quick tests that can provide muscle strength information are also discussed.

This chapter summarizes everything learned in this five-part series. Common muscle strength testing questions are answered.