Clinical tools for physiotherapists

Training heart rate zones from age and resting heart rate.

How to run the test, and how a patient's time compares with age norms and the falls-risk cutoff.

How to run the test, and how a patient's number of stands compares with norms for ages 60 to 94 and the CDC falls screening table.

Reference values in degrees for the main joints and the spine, with the source of each value and a helper to compare a measurement.

The 0 to 5 grades in the MRC's own words, the 4- and 4+ steps, and an MRC sum score calculator.

How to run the test and when to stop it, and a patient's distance compared with published reference equations, with percent of predicted and the lower limit of normal.

How to give and score the 0 to 10 numeric scale and the 100 mm visual analog scale, and a calculator that compares a change in pain with published MCID values.

The key sensory points from C2 to S4-5, the 10 key muscles with how each is tested, and reflex root levels, with a search by level or body area.

An estimated 1RM from a weight and 1 to 10 repetitions with the Epley, Brzycki and Lombardi formulas side by side, and a table of training loads from 40 to 95%, in kg or lb.

Pick exercises from the library, set the sets, reps, hold time and how often for each, add a note and print a sheet with the steps and stop signs.

A guided on-screen form for Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan, with prompts from the APTA and CSP documentation guidance, a made-up worked example, print and copy as text.

A guided on-screen form for a first musculoskeletal visit: history, red flag screening from the IFOMPT frameworks, examination, outcome measures, assessment and plan, with a made-up worked example, print and copy as text.