Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

Which grade characterizes a patient completing more than half the range of motion but having insufficient strength to maintain the test position?

1. Good

2. Fair

3. Fair minus

4. Good minus

The correct answer is: Fair minus

The classification pertains to the grading of muscle strength and function, particularly in how well a patient can perform tasks related to their physical capabilities. When a patient can complete more than half of the range of motion but lacks the necessary strength to maintain that position, this indicates that their strength is below what is typically expected for a fair grade. "Fair" strength indicates that a patient can complete full range of motion against gravity but has some degree of weakness. When a patient surpasses half the range of motion but cannot sustain the test position, it reflects a level of strength that is insufficient for the full range, distinguishing it as "Fair minus." This grade captures the patient's ability to perform a majority of the motion but denotes a notable weakness, as they lack the strength to hold the position through the entire range against resistance or gravity. Grading scales provide a structured way to assess a patient’s functional capability. In this scenario, identifying the subtleties in muscle strength gradings is essential for appropriate treatment planning and progress tracking.