Muscle testing - A Concise Manual, provides a reference for understanding how structure relates to function, and how by knowing function we can learn structural configurations. Often muscular anatomy is taught as a dry subject whereby each muscle is painstakingly reviewed and the learner is expected to cite origin, insertion, action, nerve supply and blood supply. This commonly used approach may not necessarily aid understanding of muscle function, nor does it demonstrate muscular positioning. Through muscle testing, one is better equipped to consider how muscles function individually and in working groups. It is the knowledge of symmetrical movement, range of motion, contractile patterns, resistance and gravity that provides the fuller picture for muscle function and dysfunction. The text is organised in such a way as to enable the reader to understand anatomical position and assessment of muscular contractile strength. The manual provides movement-relevant illustrations to aid understanding of muscle location and testing positions. This is further enhanced through links to video footage for each test. The book summarises the key anatomical facts and figures, give methods for muscle testing by several techniques, and provides clinically useful information to supplement the tests.
Earle Abrahamson holds qualifications in human movement sciences, clinical psychology and pedagogy. He is a principal fellow of the Higher Education Academy and senior lecturer in sports therapy at the University of East London. He has over 20 years experience in education and clinical practice and module leads the functional clinical anatomy course. Jane Langston worked for over 20 years in haematology and blood transfusion laboratories within the National Health Service and is Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science. She went on to develop her skills as an Amatsu practitioner in a busy clinic in Hertfordshire for another 20 years. Jane is a teacher of Amatsu Soft Tissue Therapy and of anatomy and physiology and is a director of Amatsu Training School Ltd and Learn Anatomy Ltd.
Section ONE INTRODUCTION Introduction and principles of muscle testing Overview of musculoskeletal anatomy, testing, and palpation Biotensegrity and fascia - the connective tissue system How to use this book Section TWO MUSCLE TESTS BY REGION Head and neck Sternocleidomastoid Scalenes (anterior, middle, and posterior) Splenius capitis Levator scapulae Trapezius (upper fibers) Shoulder and elbow Trapezius (middle fibers) Trapezius (lower fibers) Supraspinatus Infraspinatus Teres minor Subscapularis Teres major Deltoid (anterior fibers) Deltoid (middle fibers) Deltoid (posterior fibers) Coracobrachialis Biceps brachii Triceps brachii Forearm and wrist Brachioradialis Supinator Pronator teres Pronator quadratus Opponens pollicis Opponens digiti minimi Torso and trunk Pectoralis major (clavicular and sternal portions) Pectoralis minor Rectus abdominis Transverse abdominis Quadratus lumborum Erector spinae group (sacrospinalis) Latissimus dorsi Serratus (anterior) Rhomboid group (major and minor) Pelvis Psoas major and minor Iliacus Piriformis Gluteus maximus Gluteus medius Tensor fasciae latae Thigh and knee Quadriceps femoris group Rectus femoris Vastus medialis Vastus lateralis Vastus intermedius Hamstring group Biceps femoris Medial hamstrings (semitendinosus and semimembranosus) Adductor magnus Adductor longus and brevis Gracilis Popliteus Sartorius Lower leg, ankle, and foot Gastrocnemius Soleus Tibialis anterior Tibialis posterior Fibularis group (peroneus) Extensor hallucis longus Flexor hallucis longus Extensor digitorum longus Extensor digitorum brevis Section THREE GAIT TESTING Introduction to gait testing Contralateral shoulder and hip flexor gait test Contralateral shoulder and hip extensor gait test Contralateral shoulder and hip abductor gait test Contralateral shoulder and hip adductor gait test Contralateral psoas and pectoralis major gait test Contralateral gluteus medius and abdominals gait test
