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

What is the primary goal of the Axial Load Test?

1. To diagnose a ligament sprain

2. To assess carpal dislocation

3. To identify fractures or joint arthritis

4. To test muscle strength

The correct answer is: To identify fractures or joint arthritis

The primary goal of the Axial Load Test is to identify fractures or joint arthritis. This test involves applying a compressive force along the axis of a limb, specifically targeting joints to evaluate their integrity. When forces are applied in this manner, the test can reveal signs of pain or dysfunction that may indicate the presence of a fracture, joint surface irregularities, or degenerative changes associated with arthritis. The Axial Load Test is particularly effective in assessing the stability and condition of the joints under load-bearing conditions, thus providing critical information regarding potential injuries or chronic conditions. In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of musculoskeletal assessment. Diagnosing ligament sprains pertains to evaluating tensile forces and instability rather than axial compression, while assessing carpal dislocation is more specific to the wrist area and not the general goal of the Axial Load Test. Similarly, testing muscle strength involves functional evaluation of muscle capacity rather than direct assessment of joint integrity or fractures.