Which description corresponds to a 1/5 MMT strength grade (Trace)?

• A. No contraction felt or seen
• B. Full ROM against gravity
• C. unable to initiate movement in the limb in gravity eliminated position noticeable muscle contraction with effort
• D. Partial ROM in test position

Answer: (C)

A very small amount of muscle activity is present at this strength level, but it isn’t enough to move the limb. In this trace grade, you can palpate or sometimes observe a contraction, yet there is no joint movement, even when the limb is placed in a gravity-eliminated position. This reflects minimal motor unit recruitment with no functional movement yet. Clinically, it means the neuromuscular system can generate some contraction, so rehab can start with very gentle, supportive isometrics and progress as strength returns. The other descriptions describe no contraction, normal movement, or partial movement, which are at different levels of the scale.