Biomechanics Blog #2

It is important in to use appropriate bony landmarks and proper positioning for ROM in order to get the most accurate reading for range of motion. It ensures joint stability and is more reliable and valid to measure using the bony landmarks. It is important to use the correct placement for accurate measurements so your documentation can be read and used for other practitioners that may see the client after you or while you are treating them. Using appropriate landmarks also makes it "universal" when taking measurements. This way across the board, the same ROM can be taken no matter who is administering it.

The purpose of the test position in MMT is that we went to measure in mid-range of movement because that is where the most cross bridges are being formed and you get the most accurate reading of strength. This mid range position is the position for optimal muscle contraction, and that is what we want to measure. The gravity eliminated position is important for clients who cannot even resist gravity, so in order to get a reading for MMT, they need to be in a position where gravity is not a resistance for them. This means placing them where the joint is parallel to the ground, therefor eliminating gravity from the muscle contraction.