How to Assess the Motor System By George Newman, MD, PhD, Albert Einstein Medical Center Reviewed / Revised May 2020 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Topic Resources How to do the Motor Examination The limbs and shoulder girdle should be fully exposed, then inspected for the following: Atrophy Hypertrophy Asymmetric development Fasciculations Myotonia Tremor Other involuntary movements, including chorea (brief, jerky movements), athetosis (continuous, writhing movements), and myoclonus (shocklike contractions of a muscle) Passive flexion and extension of the limbs in a relaxed patient provide information about muscle tone.