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

What condition is indicated by strong AROM with no pain?

1. Healthy muscle function

2. Tendon rupture

3. Nerve damage

4. Joint instability

The correct answer is: Healthy muscle function

The condition indicated by strong active range of motion (AROM) with no pain suggests that the muscles are functioning well and are capable of performing their necessary movements without any discomfort. Healthy muscle function means that the strength of the muscles is intact, and there is no underlying issue affecting their ability to contract and produce movement effectively. In contrast, tendon rupture would typically present with severe limitations in AROM, potentially accompanied by pain, as the integrity of the tendon is compromised. Nerve damage could lead to weakness or inability to move the muscle, which would not demonstrate strong AROM. Similarly, joint instability is likely to result in a lack of confidence in movement, pain, or limitations during active movement, indicating that the condition does not pertain to strong AROM without discomfort. Thus, the presence of strong, pain-free AROM prominently supports the notion of healthy muscle function.