Robert L Lamb

An experimental investigation of the validity of the manual muscle test positions for the extensor pollicis longus and flexor pollicis brevis muscles

Abstract This study examined the validity of Kendalls classic manual muscle test (MMT) positions for the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) and the flexor pollicis brevis (FPB) muscles. We hypothesized that these positions did not eliminate forces contributed by synergist muscles. The use of alternate MMT positions designed to reduce the forces contributed by the synergists was investigated. Maximal isometric force values obtained for the EPL and FPB in the classic, proposed synergist lengthened, and proposed synergist shortened MMT positions were compared. For both muscles, there was a significant difference among the three test positions. The EPL classic and the synergist shortened positions produced significantly less force than the synergist lengthened position. Less force was produced in the FPB shortened position than in the other test positions for the FPB. There appear to be better positions for manual muscle testing of the EPL and FPB. The clinician should consider using the classic test position and the proposed synergists shortened position for isolation of the EPL. Use of the proposed synergist shortened position is recommended for testing the FPB.

Priorities for Publication

A number of readers and those who have submitted manuscripts to Physical Therapy have asked how a manuscript gets accepted. The Style Manual for Physical Therapy and the 1986 April Guest Editorial in the Journal discuss the mechanics of manuscript submission and review and the qualities of good research. Not all good manuscripts and research, however, can be published in Physical Therapy. Occasionally in the past, and probably more frequently in the future, a number of manuscripts, some of which are excellent, will be rejected for publication. Although some manuscripts simply are not appropriate to Physical Therapy, other manuscripts might be of interest to a very limited audience of physical therapists. To best use the limited publication space in the Journal, the Associate Editors and the Editor have developed a list of priorities for future publications.… [ ARTICLE][1] [1]: /lookup/volpage/66/501?iss=4