In an anti-gravity MMT for elbow extension, what is the test position?

• A. Seated with the arm by the side
• B. Lying on the stomach with elbow extended
• C. Supine with the shoulder flexed to 90 and elbow flexed
• D. Prone with the arm abducted

Answer: (C)

Positioning for an anti-gravity elbow extension test aims to make the triceps work against gravity while minimizing compensations from other muscles. The best setup is lying on the back with the shoulder flexed to 90 degrees and the elbow flexed. From this starting position, the patient must extend the elbow against gravity, with the arm supported and the shoulder stabilized, so the elbow extensors (triceps) are isolated as much as possible. This arrangement reduces substitutions from the shoulder muscles and prevents gravity from unduly aiding or hindering the movement. Other positions either place the limb in a plane where gravity can assist the motion or recruit other muscles (like the deltoids or pectoralis major) through shoulder abduction or different trunk alignments, making the test less specific to elbow extension.