College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

During the mobility assessment of the cervical vertebra at C0-C1, if the therapist can still palpate the right transverse process of C1, what clinical finding does this indicate?

1. Hypomobility of C1

2. Hyperflexibility of C1

3. Normal mobility of C1

4. Injury to the transverse process

The correct answer is: Hypomobility of C1

When assessing the mobility of the cervical vertebra at the C0-C1 level, being able to palpate the right transverse process of C1 indicates that there is potentially a restriction in movement, which is consistent with hypomobility. Hypomobility refers to decreased or limited range of motion in a joint. In this context, if the therapist can still palpate the transverse process during movement, it suggests that the normal glide and motion expected at this joint are impaired, which is characteristic of hypomobility. Normal mobility would imply that movement is occurring adequately without restriction, which would make palpation of the transverse process less distinct during dynamic assessments. Hyperflexibility, on the other hand, indicates excessive movement, which would also not align with the ability to palpate the structure distinctly while in motion. Similarly, an injury to the transverse process would usually present with other symptoms, such as pain or instability, rather than solely palpation findings during mobility assessment.