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

What does a strong response in AR-ROM indicate?

1. Injury to the ligament

2. Presence of contractile tissue lesion

3. Normal muscle functioning

4. Increased nerve sensitivity

The correct answer is: Normal muscle functioning

A strong response in active range of motion (AR-ROM) indicates normal muscle functioning. When an individual can produce controlled and effective movement through a full range of motion with good strength and stability, it suggests that the muscles and their associated neuromuscular pathways are functioning properly. This normal functioning is often evident in the absence of pain, weakness, or instability during movement, leading to a strong performance in AR-ROM testing. In contrast, other options point to situations where normal functioning is compromised. If there were an injury to a ligament, you would likely see limitations in the range of motion or unstable movements rather than a strong response. Similarly, the presence of a contractile tissue lesion typically results in pain or weakness, affecting the strength and coordination during active movements. Increased nerve sensitivity could lead to excessive pain or discomfort during movement, which would also detract from a strong AR-ROM response. Thus, the indication of normal muscle functioning, represented by a strong response in AR-ROM, reflects well-coordinated and effective muscle performance during movement assessment.