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

What can excessive use of passive movements potentially lead to?

1. Increased strength in muscles

2. Muscle hypertrophy

3. Joint stiffness and complications

4. Improved flexibility

The correct answer is: Joint stiffness and complications

Excessive use of passive movements can lead to joint stiffness and complications due to the nature of how these movements affect the musculoskeletal system. Passive movements, which are movements performed by a therapist or apparatus without the patient's active participation, can be beneficial when used appropriately. However, when applied excessively, they can result in a lack of muscular engagement and insufficient load on the joints. This can hinder the natural adaptive processes that occur in muscle and cartilage tissue, potentially leading to diminished range of motion and increased stiffness in the joints over time. Additionally, without the necessary tension and challenge provided by active movements, the surrounding muscles may weaken, further contributing to overall joint instability and potential complications in surrounding tissue. In contrast, options related to increased muscle strength, muscle hypertrophy, or improved flexibility typically require active engagement of the muscles rather than reliance on passive movements. Thus, while passive movements have their place in therapy, their excessive use can ultimately lead to unwanted joint stiffness and complications.