Which statement best describes MMT 1/5?

Which statement best describes MMT 1/5?

• A. No contraction detected; complete paralysis.
• B. Trace contraction detectable; contraction palpable but limb does not move.
• C. Full range movement possible with gravity eliminated.
• D. Normal strength with maximal resistance.

Answer: (B)

In manual muscle testing, a 1/5 grade means there is a trace contraction: you can palpate or observe some muscle activity when the patient tries to move, but there is no actual movement of the limb. This shows the muscle is activated at a minimal level, with motor units firing enough to produce a detectable contraction, yet not enough to generate joint movement against gravity or any resistance. The other descriptions correspond to different grades: no contraction at all would be 0/5; movement possible only with gravity eliminated corresponds to 2/5; movement against gravity but not against any resistance is 3/5; and normal strength with resistance is 5/5. So the statement matches the 1/5 level of strength.

In manual muscle testing, a 1/5 grade means there is a trace contraction: you can palpate or observe some muscle activity when the patient tries to move, but there is no actual movement of the limb. This shows the muscle is activated at a minimal level, with motor units firing enough to produce a detectable contraction, yet not enough to generate joint movement against gravity or any resistance. The other descriptions correspond to different grades: no contraction at all would be 0/5; movement possible only with gravity eliminated corresponds to 2/5; movement against gravity but not against any resistance is 3/5; and normal strength with resistance is 5/5. So the statement matches the 1/5 level of strength.