Manual muscle strength testing has an important function in the management
of leprosy patients. Its importance was first recognized in the 1960s, espe
cially when following patients who were started on steroid treatment to mon
itor the nerve function and the effect of treatment. In those days, and sti
ll in many centres today, many or all muscles were tested that are innervat
ed by the nerves that can be at risk in leprosy. The author argues that not
all muscles innervated by the nerves at risk need to be tested and also th
at many muscles cannot be tested in isolation. A muscle charting form is pr
esented which is suitable for screening purposes, and that also allows for
more detail when motor function is impaired.