What muscle strength corresponds to a patient's ability to move an extremity but not against gravity?

The ability to move an extremity but not against gravity corresponds to a muscle strength grade of 2/5, which indicates that the muscle can contract and perform an active movement if placed in a horizontal plane, but cannot overcome the force of gravity when positioned vertically.

In muscle grading, a score of 2/5 signifies that the muscle demonstrates limited movement but lacks the strength required to lift the limb against gravity. This grading is essential in assessing a patient's functional abilities and can guide treatment and rehabilitation strategies. It helps in understanding the extent of muscle weakness or impairment and is crucial for developing appropriate care plans.

As a point of reference, a grade of 3/5 would indicate the ability to move the extremity against gravity but not against any additional resistance. A score of 1/5 implies only a flicker of muscle contraction without any movement, while 4/5 indicates the muscle can move against gravity and some resistance. Understanding these distinctions is essential for effective patient assessment and management.