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

• A. Against strong pressure
• B. Full ROM in gravity eliminated position
• C. No contraction felt or seen
• D. Partial ROM in test position

Answer: (A)

Normal strength means the muscle can move the joint through its full range and withstand maximal external resistance. In manual muscle testing, that degree of strength is described as 5/5: the person can hold the test position and the examiner applies strong pressure, and the limb does not give way. This shows the muscle can generate peak force even when challenged with significant resistance.

The other descriptions reflect weaker performance. Full ROM only when gravity is removed suggests the muscle isn’t strong enough to work against gravity, which is not normal strength. No contraction felt or seen indicates no muscle activation at all, which is far below normal. Partial ROM in the test position means the movement isn’t completing through the full range, again signaling weakness rather than normal strength.