Active Movements

Question 1

What are the types of abnormal end feel

Answer 1

Empty Feel - No resistance offered Abnormal end-feel

Springy Block - A rebound feel at end range

Spasm - Sudden hard end-feel due to muscle spasm

Any of the normal end-feel at reduced ROM - As Above but reduced range

Question 2

What are the types of normal end feel?

Answer 2

Soft tissue approximation - Soft end feel. E.g. knee flexion

Capsular feel or firm soft tissue stretch - Firm: A fairly hard halt to movement. E.g. hip rotation

Bone to bone or hard - Abrupt halt to movement. E.g. elbow extension

Question 3

What are you looking for when applying overpressure?

Answer 3

*Reproduction of symptoms and/or Muscle spasm
*Range of further Movement
*Resistance through end of range
*Quality of Movement

Question 4

Contraindications

Answer 4

*Immediately post injury
*Early unstable fracture
*Sub-luxation/Dislocation
*Intolerable pain
*Incomplete muscle/ligament tear
*Compromised circulation

Question 5

What are you looking for during the assessment?

Answer 5

*Reproduction of symptoms and/or Muscle spasm
*Range of Movement
*Resistance through range and at end of range
*Quality of Movement

Question 6

What are the aims of active movement assessment?

Answer 6

*Reproduce symptoms (to work out what structures are being stressed)

*Identify pattern of movement (normal/abnormal)

*Obtain a marker/measurement to assess/reassess effectiveness of treatment

Question 7

What are active movements?

Answer 7

A movement within an unrestricted range of a joint produced by an active contraction of the muscles across that joint. Produced by the person themselves.