Muscles—Testing and Function.

Abstract

About fifteen years ago, I visited the authors and observed their work at the Children's Hospital School in Baltimore. I was most favorably impressed, as have been scores of other orthopedic surgeons, by the skill with which they were able to detect slight differences of muscle strength or muscle tonus. Although the method of grading muscle power on a percentage basis requires training and judgment greater than most of us have in order to recognize a 5 or 10 per cent variation, the Kendalls definitely do have that ability and judgment. In addition to presenting in an understandable fashion the principles of manual muscle testing, they discuss and emphasize the importance of body mechanics. As an anatomic study alone, this book is well worth while. The illustrations consist of excellent photographs complemented by line drawings. The Kendalls demonstrate how to measure body deficiencies other than mere muscle weakness. Those who