How to use this calculator
- Choose the Oxford grade (0 to 5) for up to four muscle groups, as tested by your physiotherapist.
- Press Calculate.
- See your weakest group and the right stage of strengthening.
How it works
Manual muscle testing grades strength from 0 (no contraction) to 5 (full strength). The weakest group decides the training stage: assisted or isometric work below grade 3, movement against gravity at grade 3, and resistance training at grade 4 and above.
Reading your result
| Grade 5 | Normal strength: maintain. |
|---|---|
| Grade 4 | Resistance training. |
| Grade 3 | Anti-gravity strengthening. |
| Grade 0 to 2 | Assisted work; find the cause. |
Physiotherapy treatment
Strength assessment and progressive resistance training is the core of physiotherapy for muscle weakness. After an assessment, your physiotherapist sets a plan built around resistance exercises, functional strengthening, progressed as your results improve. Hands-on treatment, pain relief and education are added where they help.
Exercises this calculator may recommend
Your result decides which of these appear, and at what dose.
Medical note
Calculators give estimates for general guidance and do not diagnose any condition. Stop and seek medical help for chest pain, fainting, sudden weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe or rapidly worsening pain. Always follow your surgeon's or doctor's instructions over any calculator.