How do you perform a Break Test?

How do you perform a Break Test?

• A. A test performed with the limb moving through full range of motion against resistance
• B. The athlete remains completely relaxed while the examiner moves the joint passively
• C. The test uses gravity as the only resistance
• D. A test performed with the joint in a neutral, midrange position, stabilizing the proximal segment, the athlete holds the position as resistance is applied and gradually increased to a maximum over 3 to 5 seconds

Answer: (D)

A Break Test assesses a muscle’s ability to hold a position against progressively increasing manual resistance, using an isometric contraction. The limb is placed in a neutral, midrange position and the examiner stabilizes the proximal segment to isolate the muscle. The patient holds the position while resistance is applied and gradually increased to a maximum over about 3 to 5 seconds. If the muscle is strong, the limb remains steady and the examiner cannot move it; if weakness is present, that resistance will cause the hold to give way. This differs from testing through movement against resistance, which is a make or dynamic resisted test, where the person tries to move the limb through ROM. It also differs from passive range of motion, where the limb is moved by the examiner with the patient relaxed. And it’s not performed with gravity as the only resistance, which would not isolate an isometric hold.

A Break Test assesses a muscle’s ability to hold a position against progressively increasing manual resistance, using an isometric contraction. The limb is placed in a neutral, midrange position and the examiner stabilizes the proximal segment to isolate the muscle. The patient holds the position while resistance is applied and gradually increased to a maximum over about 3 to 5 seconds. If the muscle is strong, the limb remains steady and the examiner cannot move it; if weakness is present, that resistance will cause the hold to give way.

This differs from testing through movement against resistance, which is a make or dynamic resisted test, where the person tries to move the limb through ROM. It also differs from passive range of motion, where the limb is moved by the examiner with the patient relaxed. And it’s not performed with gravity as the only resistance, which would not isolate an isometric hold.