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

If AROM is strong and pain-free, what does it indicate?

1. Presence of contractile tissue lesion

2. No contractile tissue lesion

3. Weakness in muscle tone

4. Potential nerve damage

The correct answer is: No contractile tissue lesion

When active range of motion (AROM) is strong and pain-free, it indicates that there is no contractile tissue lesion. This finding suggests that the muscles and associated structures involved in the movement are functioning properly and do not exhibit signs of injury or damage. A strong and pain-free AROM implies that the muscles are capable of producing force effectively without causing discomfort, which rules out conditions such as tears or strains in the muscles or tendons, typically associated with contractile tissue lesions. Additionally, this scenario indicates healthy neuromuscular function, as nerve damage or muscle weakness would likely lead to compromised AROM, either presenting with pain or weakness during the movement. In contrast, the other options relate to various conditions that would typically cause either pain during movement or a lack of strength, which is not evident when the AROM is both strong and pain-free.