Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

Which type of motion assessment involves the clinician performing the range of motion (ROM) evaluation?

1. Active motion test

2. Passive motion test

3. Resistive motion test

4. Static motion test

The correct answer is: Passive motion test

The correct type of motion assessment that involves the clinician performing the range of motion (ROM) evaluation is the passive motion test. In this assessment, the clinician takes the lead in moving the patient's joint through its available range of motion without any assistance or effort from the patient. This allows the clinician to evaluate the flexibility of the joint and any limitations in motion that may be present due to various factors, such as injury, muscle tightness, or joint pathology. Passive motion testing is particularly useful in differentiating between structural and functional problems in joints. It can help identify issues that might not be evident when the patient is asked to actively move their joint, as it eliminates any compensatory movements or restrictions caused by pain that a patient may experience when trying to perform the motion themselves. Active motion tests involve the patient actively moving the joint and assessing their ability to do so, which may reveal different information about a patient's functional capabilities compared to passive testing. Resistive motion tests involve applying resistance to the patient's movements to evaluate strength and muscle function, while static motion tests typically evaluate the position and stability of joints rather than the range of motion.