Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

What muscle strength grade is characterized by the presence of a palpable or visible contraction?

1. Muscle strength grade 0

2. Muscle strength grade 1

3. Muscle strength grade 2

4. Muscle strength grade 3

The correct answer is: Muscle strength grade 1

Muscle strength grade 1 is defined by the presence of a palpable or visible contraction without any movement in the joint. This grading indicates that while the muscle is not strong enough to produce motion against gravity, there is evidence of muscle activity. Clinically, this can be assessed by feeling for the muscle contraction or seeing a twitch in the muscle belly during a manual strength test, even if there is no discernible movement at the joint it is meant to act upon. This grade is important in physical assessments to determine the severity of weakness and to guide rehabilitation efforts. Higher grades would indicate increasing levels of strength, where full movement against gravity (grade 3) and beyond would be observed.