11/13/24, 7\:06 PM Guide | Muscle power assessment (MRC scale)

Muscle power assessment (MRC scale)

Table of contents

Introduction

The assessment of muscle power is a key part of a neurological examination of the upper or lower limbs. As a result, it is
important to familiarise yourself with the Medical Research Council's scale (MRC scale) of muscle power. The MRC scale of
muscle strength uses a score of 0 to 5 to grade the power of a particular muscle group in relation to the movement of a single
joint.
We have included the MRC scale below in several formats, to make it as accessible as possible\:
MRC Muscle Power Scale (PDF)
MRC Muscle Power Scale (Image)

MRC Scale

Score Description
0 No contraction
1 Flicker or trace of contraction
2 Active movement, with gravity eliminated
3 Active movement against gravity
4 Active movement against gravity and resistance
5 Normal power

References

1. Used with the permission of the Medical Research Council. Open Government Licence.
https\://app.geekymedics.com/osce-guides/clinical-examination/muscle-power-assessment-mrc-scale/ 1/211/13/24, 7\:06 PM Guide | Muscle power assessment (MRC scale)
Source\: geekymedics.com
https\://app.geekymedics.com/osce-guides/clinical-examination/muscle-power-assessment-mrc-scale/ 2/2