 |
 |
 "Like pain, muscle
fatigue is a subjective symptom,“ writes William M. Fowler, Jr.,
M.D., “while weakness is a measurable
observation."
"From a practical standpoint, fatigue can be thought of as
short lasting weakness," adds Fowler. "In successfully
treated myasthenia gravis, for example, there is rarely any muscle
wasting or long-lasting loss of strength. Fatigue occurs following
prolonged muscle contractions, with a relatively rapid return of
strength following rest."
Muscle weakness is most commonly identified through manual muscle testing or MMT and is rated according to a scale of five
grades.
A plus or minus may be added to the grade for further classification. |
|
| Grade 5 |
normal
strength |
| Grade 4 |
movement
against gravity and resistance |
| Grade 3 |
movement
against gravity (resistance eliminated) |
| Grade 2 |
movement
with gravity eliminated |
| Grade 1 |
only
a flicker of movement |
|
|
For information
about recovering from muscle weakness or injury, visit Rest
vs. rust.
For information
about muscle cramps, visit When
exercise cramps your style.
For general information about muscle anatomy, visit Mouse
hunt. |
|
Many clinicians now feel that fatigue, as a physical impairment, may be more of a disability than actual weakness in neuromuscular diseases.
--William Fowler, Jr, MD
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