OTHN 334 

Human Movement, Behavior & Occupation Lab 

This Open Educational Resource (OER) is designed to enhance your understanding of Range Of Motion (ROM) and Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), two foundational skills for occupational therapy practitioners. These assessments are critical for evaluating a client’s movement and functional abilities during occupational performance, guiding intervention planning and clinical decision-making. 

The goal of this supplemental lab manual is to provide clear, affordable, accessible content that supports hands-on learning and supplements classroom teaching. Occupational therapy students can use this OER to assist with practical application. This resource helps students build competence and confidence in performing ROM and MMT assessments accurately as they prepare for their class lab practicals. This OER allows students the ability to access the information through digital access anytime. 

This OER site reinforces content taught in the lab portion of the OTHN 334 class, with step-by-step instructions, visuals, and embedded YouTube videos. 

Range of Motion assessment is completed with a Goniometer. A goniometer is a clinical tool used by rehabilitation professionals, including occupational therapists, to measure the range of motion (ROM) of a joint. It consists of a stationary arm, a movable arm, and a central axis or fulcrum that aligns with the joint being assessed. By positioning the arms along the bones adjacent to the joint, the goniometer allows practitioners to determine the degree of movement in flexion, extension, abduction, rotation, and other motions of the extremities. Accurate measurement of ROM is essential for evaluating functional limitations, tracking progress, and developing individualized treatment plans that promote optimal occupational performance in clients.  

Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) is a standardized, hands-on assessment technique used by occupational therapists to evaluate the strength and function of individual muscles or muscle groups. It involves applying resistance to a muscle’s movement and grading its ability to perform against gravity and resistance. MMT is essential in occupational therapy because it helps identify muscle weakness, guides treatment planning, and monitors progress over time. By understanding muscle strength, occupational therapists can design interventions that improve functional independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and enhance overall occupational performance. This OER site demonstrates the MMT for generalized planes of motion. Students can refer to their texts for individualized muscle testing. The grading and rating system below is used to document MMT after assessment. 

Manual Muscle Testing Grading System

Grade Description: 

5 (Normal):   Full ROM against gravity with maximum resistance

4 (Good):      Full ROM against gravity with moderate resistance

3 (Fair):         Full ROM against gravity, no resistance

2 (Poor):     Full ROM in gravity-eliminated position

1 (Trace):      Slight contraction, no joint movement

0 (Zero):       No visible or palpable muscle contraction

Adapted from: 

Dadio, G. G. & Nolan, J.A. (2025). Clinical pathways: An occupational therapy assessment for range of motion & manual muscle strength. Wolters Kluwer Health.

The following references are textbooks utilized in the OTHN 334 course to structure the lab practical material.  The lab portion of the course is sectioned into upper extremity assessment and lower extremity assessment based on the organization of the following textbooks:  

Dadio, G. G. & Nolan, J.A. (2025). Clinical pathways: An occupational therapy assessment for range of motion & manual muscle strength. Wolters Kluwer Health. 

Gillen, G. & Brown, C. (2023). Willard & Spackman's occupational therapy (14th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. 

Pendleton, H. M., & Schultz-Krohn, W. (2024). Pedretti’s occupational therapy: Practice skills for physical dysfunction (9th ed.). Elsevier.