Crossbow Evaluation

Modified bow and/or crossbow evaluations are required for individuals with a disability in one upper extremity who are interested in hunting with the modified bow or crossbow.

Michigan Therapy Institute performs crossbow evaluations for those individuals that have a disability, either temporary or permanent, that permits full use of only one upper extremity and is unable to hold, aim and shoot conventional archery equipment as determined by evaluation from a physician or a licensed/registered physical therapist or occupational therapist.

The evaluation can be completed by our licensed physical therapist at either of our locations in Warren and Macomb.

The evaluation takes approximately one hour and consists of medically accepted standard testing procedures to check for muscle weakness or range of motion limitations of the upper extremities. With your assistance, the physical therapist will ascertain which muscle group or joint is the source of the disability. Loss of function must be substantiated. Pain or lack of endurance alone cannot be used as grounds for granting a crossbow permit.

There are three tests that we perform: Functional Draw Test, Manual Muscle Test, Impaired Range of Motion Test. Substandard scoring in any area is sufficient proof to grant the permit.

Functional Draw Test

Allows for simulation of the drawback posture/position with a weight equivalent to 35 pounds of resistance for a 4 second duration. This is to simulate the motion, strength and duration of hold necessary to use conventional archery equipment.

Manual Muscle Test

Using a standardized manual muscle grading scale (or an equivalent test), shoulder flexion, shoulder extension, shoulder abduction, elbow flexion and elbow extension are graded equal to or less than 3 of 5.

Impaired Range of Motion Test

The disability in range of motion is assessed using a standard goniometer (or equivalent) test. A permit may be granted if the applicant score equal to or less any of the joint ranges listed.

Goniometric Evaluation

Shoulder flexion equal to or less than 90 degrees, shoulder extension equal to or less than 10 degrees, shoulder abduction equal to or less than 70 degrees, elbow flexion equal to or less than 90 degrees, elbow extension equal to or less than -20 degrees.

Note: A person is not allowed to seek a diagnosis for the purpose of meeting these requirements more than two times within a six month period.

Once the evaluation is completed and signed by the licensed physical therapist, it is up to the Disability Bow Program of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to accept and approve.