National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) Practice Exam

What does Active Range of Motion measure?

1. The client's movements around a joint using his or her voluntary muscles

2. The passive movement of a joint by a therapist

3. The overall strength of a muscle

4. The flexibility of connective tissue surrounding a joint

The correct answer is: The client's movements around a joint using his or her voluntary muscles

Active Range of Motion (AROM) specifically measures the movements that a client can perform around a joint using their own voluntary muscle control. It reflects the patient's ability to actively engage and initiate movement, which is crucial for assessing functional capabilities and determining rehabilitation needs. AROM assessments are often performed to evaluate joint health, identify weaknesses, or track progress during physical therapy or rehabilitation programs. The other options pertain to different concepts: passive movement, for example, involves a therapist assisting a client in moving their joint without the client's muscular effort, reflecting passive range of motion rather than active. Strength measurement focuses on the force a muscle can exert, while flexibility involves the ability of the connective tissues to stretch. Each of these elements provides important information but does not directly measure the active engagement of the client's muscles in joint motion.