Clinical Tip: Make testing upper arm strength a game

Article

Most 3- or 4-year-old children have difficulty following my directions when I test biceps strength during a neurologic exam. Here's a trick I find helpful: Have the child make fists with both hands, place one fist on each cheek, and move his (her) elbows close to his body. Then tell him not to let you take his fist off his cheek while you pull on his arm. My patients enjoy this "game" and love to show me how strong they are.

Stacy B. Pierson, MD St. Petersburg, Fla.

Recent Videos
Diet, mental health, and pediatric nutrition, with Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN
Victor Carrion, MD
Tina Tan, MD, comments on FDA expanded approval for MenQuadfi meningococcal disease vaccine
Tina Tan, MD, discusses impact of FDA's stricter COVID-19 vaccine policy for children
Jennifer Soung, MD reacts to FDA approval of roflumilast foam 0.3%
Supporting mental health in pediatric primary care with Victor Carrion, MD
Discussing social media and potential nutrition impacts with Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN
Jenna Marcovitz, MA explains how music therapy helps in pediatric care
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.