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

What does PF-ROM (passive-forced) primarily test for?

1. Muscle strength

2. Joint end-feel

3. Nerve velocity

4. Muscle tone

The correct answer is: Joint end-feel

The correct answer is that PF-ROM (passive-forced range of motion) primarily tests for joint end-feel. When a practitioner performs a passive range of motion, they move a joint through its available motion without the patient's assistance. During this process, the practitioner assesses the type of resistance felt at the end of the motion, referred to as "end-feel." This characteristic can provide valuable information about the integrity of the joint structures, suggesting whether the limitation is due to soft tissue, bony, or capsular restrictions. Assessing joint end-feel is crucial in clinical settings as it helps differentiate between various conditions, such as distinguishing between normal joint motion and pathological conditions that might be present. The end-feel can reveal whether it is a normal, hard, soft, or empty sensation, which can guide treatment approaches. In the context of the other options, they do not specifically relate to the primary assessment made during PF-ROM. For example, muscle strength is evaluated through manual muscle testing and not through passive movement assessment. Nerve velocity pertains to nerve conduction studies and is not relevant in this context. Muscle tone can be assessed through palpation or resistance during passive movement, but it does not capture the essence of what PF-ROM is designed