Dominic Stone
Doctors can assess muscle bulk by comparing two limbs, usually beginning with the face and neck, then the arms, and finally the legs. They may use a tape measure to measure muscle bulk. Muscle strength can be assessed manually, functionally, or mechanically. Computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are gold standards for muscle mass evaluation, but they require large, expensive, and non-portable equipment. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is another method of assessing muscle mass that results in low radiation exposure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle strength | Can be assessed manually, functionally, or mechanically |
| Muscle strength testing | Evaluates complaints of weakness, often when there is a suspected neurologic disease or muscle imbalance/weakness |
| Muscle bulk observation | Can be compared between two limbs and measured with a tape measure |
| Muscle testing | Usually begins with the face and neck, then the arms, and finally the legs |
| Muscle weakness | Indicated by a downward drift of the arm with palms turning inward |
| Muscle enlargement (hypertrophy) | Results from activities or exercises that repeatedly stress the muscle, such as weight lifting |
| Hypertrophy | Can also result from one muscle working harder to compensate for the weakness of another |
| Muscle weakness | Can be caused by nerve disease or muscle disease |
| Muscle wasting (atrophy) | Can result from damage to the muscle or its nerves, or from lack of use (disuse atrophy) |
| Muscle mass evaluation | Computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are gold standards, but dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is also used |
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What You'll Learn
Muscle strength testing
Muscle strength can be assessed manually, functionally, or mechanically. Strength depends on a combination of morphological and neural factors, including muscle cross-sectional area and architecture, musculotendinous stiffness, motor unit recruitment, rate coding, motor unit synchronization, and neuromuscular inhibition.
When testing muscle strength, doctors will usually begin with the face and neck, then the arms, and finally the legs. A person should be able to hold their arms extended, palms up, for one minute without their sagging, turning, or shaking. A downward drift of the arm with palms turning inward is a sign of weakness. Doctors will also look for muscle enlargement (hypertrophy), which can result from activities or exercises that repeatedly stress the muscle, such as weightlifting. However, when a person is ill, hypertrophy may result from one muscle working harder to compensate for the weakness of another.
Doctors will also examine affected joints in more detail, testing specific active or passive motions. They may pull or apply force to see whether the joint is stable. They will feel muscles for bulk, tone (how relaxed the muscle is when it is not being used), strength, and tenderness. They will also check for twitches and involuntary movements, which may indicate a nerve disease rather than a muscle disease. Finally, doctors will look for wasting away of muscle (atrophy), which can result from damage to the muscle or its nerves or from lack of use (disuse atrophy), as sometimes occurs with prolonged bed rest.
Computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are gold standards for muscle mass evaluation, but they require large, expensive, and non-portable equipment, limiting their use in routine clinical practice. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is another option that results in low radiation exposure among patients.
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Muscle bulk observation
One simple test for muscle bulk observation involves asking the patient to hold their arms extended, palms up, for one minute. The doctor will then observe whether the arms sag, turn or shake. A downward drift of the arm with palms turning inward is a sign of muscle weakness. Doctors will also look for muscle enlargement (hypertrophy), which can result from activities or exercises that repeatedly stress the muscle, such as weightlifting. However, hypertrophy can also be a sign of muscle imbalance, where one muscle is working harder to compensate for the weakness of another.
Muscle bulk can be compared between two limbs using a tape measure. More advanced methods of muscle mass evaluation include computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can accurately differentiate bone, fat and lean body tissue. However, these methods require large and expensive equipment, so are not always practical for routine clinical use.
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Muscle tone
Muscle strength can be assessed manually, functionally, or mechanically. Strength depends on a combination of morphological and neural factors, including muscle cross-sectional area and architecture, musculotendinous stiffness, motor unit recruitment, rate coding, motor unit synchronization, and neuromuscular inhibition.
Doctors will usually begin by examining the face and neck, then the arms, and finally the legs. A person should be able to hold their arms extended, palms up, for one minute without their sagging, turning, or shaking. A downward drift of the arm with palms turning inward is a sign of weakness. Doctors also look for muscle enlargement (hypertrophy), which can result from activities or exercises that repeatedly stress the muscle, such as weightlifting. However, hypertrophy may also result from one muscle working harder to compensate for the weakness of another when a person is ill.
Computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are gold standards for muscle mass evaluation, but they require large, expensive, and non-portable equipment. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is another option that results in low radiation exposure among patients.
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Muscle tenderness
Muscle bulk can be assessed by comparing two limbs, which can be measured with a tape measure. Muscle strength can be assessed manually, functionally or mechanically. Computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are also used to evaluate muscle mass, but these methods require large, expensive, and non-portable equipment.
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Muscle twitches
Doctors will often assess muscle bulk by comparing two limbs, which can be measured with a tape measure. Muscle strength can also be assessed manually, functionally, or mechanically. This can be done by testing whether a person can hold their arms extended, palms up, for one minute without their sagging, turning, or shaking.
If you are experiencing muscle twitches, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. They may perform additional tests, such as blood work or imaging scans, to determine the underlying cause. Treatment for muscle twitches will depend on the specific cause and may include lifestyle changes, medication, or other interventions.
It is important to note that muscle twitches are usually harmless and often go away on their own. However, if they are persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out any serious underlying conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle bulk can be assessed by comparing two limbs with a tape measure.
Doctors look for muscle wasting (atrophy) or twitches and involuntary movements, which may indicate nerve disease. A downward drift of the arm with palms turning inward is also a sign of weakness.
Muscle strength can be assessed manually, functionally or mechanically.
Computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the gold standards for muscle mass evaluation.
