How is muscle strength typically evaluated during an assessment?

Muscle strength is typically evaluated by asking the patient to push or pull against resistance. This method involves assessing the patient’s ability to generate force with their muscles during specific movements. It allows the assessor to gauge strength in various muscle groups by having the patient perform actions such as pushing against the examiner's hands or pulling on an object. This direct interaction provides immediate feedback on the strength and functionality of the muscles in question.

Using a dynamometer is a more specialized and precise method for measuring muscle strength, but it's not the most common approach during a general assessment. Measuring the range of motion evaluates flexibility and joint function, not muscle strength. Observing the patient’s posture contributes to understanding their overall condition but does not directly assess muscle strength. Thus, the method of pushing or pulling against resistance is the most practical and commonly used evaluation technique for assessing muscle strength in a clinical setting.