What does "end feel" refer to in manual muscle testing (MMT)?

"End feel" in the context of manual muscle testing (MMT) refers specifically to the quality of resistance felt at the end range of motion of a joint. During MMT, as a therapist moves a joint to its limit of motion, they can palpate and assess how the tissues around that joint react. The end feel can vary based on the structure and integrity of the joint and surrounding structures, and may be classified as hard, soft, or firm.

For instance, a hard end feel might indicate that bone is contacting bone, as in a normal elbow extension, while a soft end feel could indicate soft tissue approximation, such as when flexing the knee. Recognizing the type of end feel is crucial for a physical therapist assistant, as it provides valuable information about joint integrity, any dysfunctions present, and potential limitations in range of motion.

The other options do not capture the essence of end feel accurately: the duration of muscle contraction pertains to the time span of muscle activity, the level of pain reported during movement focuses on the patient’s discomfort rather than the mechanical properties of joint movement, and the range of motion achieved refers solely to how far a joint can move without considering the resistance felt.