Which method is crucial for assessing a patient's strength and endurance in physical therapy?

Manual muscle testing (MMT) is the most crucial method for assessing a patient's strength and endurance in physical therapy. This technique involves a physical therapist evaluating the strength of specific muscle groups by applying resistance while the patient attempts to hold a position or move a limb. MMT provides insights into the function of individual muscles or muscle groups and helps determine any impairments, inform treatment planning, and track progress over time.

While flexibility testing, cardiovascular assessment, and biomechanical evaluation provide valuable information related to a patient's overall physical condition and capabilities, they do not specifically measure muscle strength and endurance in the same way MMT does. Flexibility testing focuses on the range of motion in joints, which is not directly related to strength. Cardiovascular assessments evaluate the heart and lungs' efficiency, measuring endurance in a different context entirely, while biomechanical evaluations analyze movement patterns and forces but may not directly assess muscle strength. Thus, MMT is the chosen method for directly assessing strength and endurance, making it integral to physical therapy evaluations and interventions.