Final answer:
Muscle strength can be estimated by having an individual push or pull against resistance to test their ability to contract muscles. Differences in muscle strength between limbs can indicate potential motor system deficits or issues with specific nervous system tracts. Pronator drift subtests and other muscle resistance tests help diagnose neurological conditions affecting motor control.push or pull
Step-by-step explanation:
An estimation of muscle strength is assessed by having the child use an extremity to push or pull against resistance. When testing for muscle strength, the patient might be asked to perform actions like lifting the arm while the examiner provides resistance, or shrugging the shoulders against resistance to assess their ability to contract muscles. If there is a lateral difference in muscle strength, this may indicate a deficit in one corticospinal tract relative to the other. Conversely, a global loss of strength could suggest an overall motor system issue.
Diseases associated with upper motor neuron (UMN) lesions, such as cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis (MS), can be investigated using these methods. Additionally, a negative result in the subtest for pronator drift could signal a UMN lesion. Muscle strength assessment is important for diagnosing conditions that affect muscle contraction and the motor system.
During the assessment of muscle strength, the examiner may also test neck flexion, shoulder shrugging, and lateral flexion of the neck. Differences in strength on one side could indicate damage to the motor system on that side. These tests are part of the comprehensive motor exam and are essential for diagnosing deficits associated with the accessory nerve and potential skeletal muscle control issues.