Passive Movement

Question 1

What is the purpose of the technique i.e. what are you measuring and why?

Answer 1

To test range of movement available, soft tissue elasticity, muscle tone and joint stability

Question 2

How do you know if the measurement is normal?

Answer 2

Easily moves joint through their full range
No resistance
No trick movements

• Soft tissue should have a soft end feel
• Capsular or firm soft tissue should have a firm end feel (fairly hard halt to movement)
• Bone to bone or hard tissue should have a hard end feel (abrupt halt to movement

End feels can be compared to contralateral side where appropriate, or what is considered normal

Question 3

What principles are used in carrying out (application) the technique?

Answer 3

1) Explain procedure & informed consent
2) Ensure patient is safe comfortable and in an appropriate starting position
3) Ask for access to required body part
4) Perform accessory movement, start slowly, asking patient if they are okay
5) Assess movement quality, speed & range
6) Check patient for adverse affects

Question 4

What structures/processes are being assessed?

Answer 4

Joint integrity and movement (includes muscles involved in movement)
Reproduction of symptoms
Restriction of Movement (or ROM)
Quality of Movement

Question 5

Precautions
/ contraindications

Answer 5

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

Do you have any recent injuries I should be aware of?
Is there any pain in this particular area?
Are you generally feeling well today?

Question 6

Describe the end feel of healthy soft tissue

Answer 6

Soft end feel

Question 7

Describe the end feel of healthy capsular or firm soft tissue

Answer 7

Firm: A fairly hard halt to
movement

Question 8

Describe the end feel of healthy bone to bone or hard tissue

Answer 8

Abrupt halt to movement.

Question 9

How can you tell whether a person’s movement are within their own norms?

Answer 9

Compare movement of affected side to contralateral side

Question 10

What should you document?

Answer 10

Date, Time, Patient name
Explanation of procedure & gaining informed consent
What movements were performed, in what position & how
End feel comparison to other side
Adverse affects?
Sign