Courses on Balanced Muscle Strength Testing

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Instructor with Students in Computer LabWhat is Balanced Muscle Strength Testing?

Balanced Muscle Strength Testing (BMST) involves an examiner measuring the strength of a muscle in another person and comparing that strength to other muscles in the same person.  Comparisons are made in two ways:

  1. Strength is compared to the same muscle on the opposite side of the body
  2. Strength is compared to other muscles that cross the same joint

How is muscle strength balance tested?

There are many different ways to evaluate muscle strength, each with their own pros and cons.  The method currently being taught through the DxF is for manual muscle strength testing.

For additional information, see the following links:

Why is balanced muscle strength important? What can imbalanced muscle strength cause? 

žImbalanced muscles indicate:

  • Loss of athletic performance
  • —Decreased rate of muscular development
  • Increased rate of tissue damage
  • Increased susceptibility to injury, joint problems, osteoarthritis and disease

What can cause muscle imbalances?

Learning Packages

Choosing which type of learning package you wish to take will depend on your level of muscle testing experience, knowledge of the body and career goals.  Currently available BMST packages include:

  • Certification Course – Includes both the educational content and the certification exams.  For those who want a thorough presentation of the BMST material as well as documentation of competence &/or access to DxF programs and careers. Online, CD, Printed, Webinar, Seminar
  • Educational Course only – for those who want the BMST information, but do not need the documentation of competence, cannot access the exam locations and do not intend to participate in follow up DxF programs and careers. Online, CD, Printed, Webinar, Seminar
  • Certification Exams only – for those who are already thoroughly familiar with the course content, and just want documentation of competence &/or access to the DxF programs and careers.
  • Review only – for those who want a rapid presentation of the course content, but do not need the documentation of competence or cannot access the exam locations.  Reviews are currently available in webinar & seminar formats.  (Certification exams may be purchased separately.)

BMST Study Tools

These may add these to one of the courses to help you master the materials or prepare for the certification exams.

Note: Continuing education is a required part of re-certification every 2 years to maintain current status.

Full Curriculum

The Balanced Muscle strength Testing course will eventually be available in 8 units of study covering 100 muscle strength tests and 4 different certifications.  Each unit may be taken as a stand alone course, but must be taken in sequence of 1-4.  They are organized as follows:

  • Unit 1 – Legs:  Muscle tests (MT) 1-12   Certification Available as “Regional Screener: Legs”
  • Unit 2 – Legs: MT 13-24
  • Unit 3 – Legs: MT 25-36
  • Unit 4 – Legs: MT 37-50 Certification available as “Regional Examiner: Legs”
  • Unit 1 – Arms: MT 51-62 Certification Available as “Regional Screener: Arms”
  • Unit 2 – Arms: MT 63-74
  • Unit 3 – Arms: MT 75-86
  • Unit 4 – Arms: MT 87-100 Certification available as “Regional Examiner: Arms”

Completed Courses

Unit 1 – Legs: MT 1-12 w/ Screeneer Certification

There are 4 type of certification that will be offered by the DxF regarding Balanced Muscle Strength Testing.

  • Regional Screener: Legs       Muscle Tests (MT) 1-12  Currently available
  • Regional Examiner: Legs      MT 13-50
  • Regional Screener: Arms      MT 51-62
  • Regional Examiner: Arms     MT 63-100

Each certification provides documentation that you have attained mastery of the knowledge and skills regarding muscle strength testing to pass the following exams:

  1. Online Written Exam
  2. Practical Exam
  3. Applied Exam

Certification is an important step in building a career in Balanced Muscle Strength Testing
Here are some of the career options.

  1. Experienced – For those of you who are already in the health field: (personal trainer, yoga instructor, physician, allied health professional or coach)  You can add muscle strength testing to your business right away. This will give you the tools you need to get superior results and set you apart from the competition.
  2. New – For those of you new to the health field: You can:
  • Work with the DxF – Certification is a requirement for both paid and volunteer positions in our public screening program, tutoring, examiners & faculty.
  • DxF Associated Facilities – Facilities that associate with the DxF as educational, testing and research centers will need certified providers in various positions.
  • Affiliate with health professionals – The more muscle strength tests you learn, your options for obtaining work with sports doctors, chiropractors, physical therapist and personal trainers on a part time or full time basis increases.
  • Set up your own testing service – Depending on your state laws, you may be able to establish your own balanced muscle strength testing service.

Who is the Balanced Muscle Strength Testing course designed for?

  • Untrained – Each new concept and technique is explained in enough detail and ancillary information for individuals studying manual muscle strength testing for the first time.
  • Review – This course has enough depth to satisfy the experienced muscle tester looking for a detailed review and new  muscle testing variants.

People that would benefit from this information include:

  • Fitness instructors and body workers: Personal trainers, yoga instructors, massage therapist, group exercise instructors (spin, zumba, pilates), Alexander, etc.
  • Sports: Coaches, trainers, athletes (runners, cyclists, team sports)
  • Individuals: Office workers, musicians, construction, sales, etc.…
  • Allied health professional: Physician assistants, physical therapists, nurse practitioners, podiatrists, etc.
  • Practicing physicians: MD, DO, DC, ND

Pre-requisite:

The following are required prior to taking your Written exam.

  • 18 years of age
  • High School diploma or GED
  • CPR / AED online certification – See below for additional details

CPR/AED Pre-Requisite:

CPR/AED certification is taught and paid for through independent organizations and not through the DxF.

Examples of Acceptable Organizations

  • American Red Cross
  • American Heart Association
  • American Safety & Health Institute
  • St. John Ambulance
  • Emergency Care & Safety Institute
  • Emergency Medical Technician

Note: If you intend to continue on to Regional Examiner certification, CPR/AED certification will require a practical component with in person training (i.e. not just online).

Course Content: 

Anatomy & Biomechanics:
Muscle Names: 1-12
Bone Names: Lower Limb
Anatomy Regions: Lower Limbs
Anatomy Navigation
Bone Landmarks: Muscle Tests 1-12
Origin/Insertion/Action: Muscles 1-12

Physiology:
Introduction to Muscle Actions

Applied Diagnostics:
Introduction to Balanced Muscle Strength Testing (BMST)
Muscle Strength Testing Technique
Muscle Strength & Pain Measurement Scales
Muscle Tests: 1-12

Technology:
Education Technology for BMST

Business: 
Screening Procedures

Legal: 
Screening vs. Diagnosis & Confidentiality

Administrative: 
Welcome
Intro to the Diagnosis Foundation
Certification Requirements

Any questions? Please contact: Info@DxFoundation.org.

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Be Certified in Balanced Muscle Strength – Legs Screener Level in 4-6 weeks! Time varies on background in anatomy and biology.