Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

In active motion testing, what aspect of motion is primarily evaluated?

1. Quality of motion

2. Quantity of motion

3. Stability of joints

4. Endurance of muscles

The correct answer is: Quantity of motion

In active motion testing, the primary focus is on the quantity of motion. This means assessing the range of motion that a joint can achieve when the patient moves it actively, without assistance. This kind of testing can help identify movement limitations or restrictions that might indicate underlying musculoskeletal issues. Furthermore, measuring the quantity of motion provides valuable insights into functional abilities and can guide the clinician in developing treatment plans. While quality of motion, stability of joints, and endurance of muscles are also important considerations in a comprehensive musculoskeletal examination, they are not the main focus of active motion testing. Evaluating the quality of motion would involve looking at how smoothly and efficiently the patient performs the movement, including any associated pain or compensatory patterns. Joint stability conveys the integrity and support of the joint during motion, while muscular endurance pertains to the ability of muscles to sustain activity over time. However, these aspects are typically assessed more in depth during other components of physical examination or functional assessments rather than during active motion testing specifically.