A physical therapist is working with a 44 year-old woman who has significant hemiparesis following a brain injury.The patient is unable to activate the hamstring muscle to move the limb through active range of motion and demonstrates 1+/2− manual muscle test (MMT) grade.Which type of muscle contraction and limb position would be most effective for exercise design initially to facilitate enhanced muscle activation in hamstrings when working with this patient in sidelying with limb on a power board?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the patient's limited ability to activate the hamstring muscle (1+/2− MMT grade), an isometric contraction starting with the muscle in a mid-position would be most effective initially. Isometric exercises can help increase muscle strength without requiring the muscle to lengthen or shorten during the contraction, which is beneficial for patients with very weak muscles. Starting in a mid-position allows for the generation of tension in the muscle without the need for movement, which might be difficult or impossible for this patient.

A Physical Therapist Is Working with a 44 Year-Old Woman