Question

A ligamentous or fascial shortening would result in ______ end feel while examining the range of motion of a joint:

• A. Soft end feel
• B. Firm end feel
• C. Hard end feel
• D. Empty end feel

Hint:

Remember: - Firm = Ligament/Capsule stretch - Soft = Muscle/fat compression - Hard = Bone contact - Empty = Pain-limited

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
End feel refers to the quality of resistance felt by the examiner at the end of passive joint motion. It helps identify the type of tissue limiting movement. The main types include:
• Soft end feel: Caused by soft tissue approximation (e.g., muscle bulk).
• Firm end feel: Caused by stretching of ligaments, tendons, or joint capsule.
• Hard end feel: Caused by bone-to-bone contact.
• Empty end feel: Occurs when movement is stopped due to pain before resistance is felt.

Step 1: Understanding ligamentous or fascial shortening.
Ligaments and fascia are dense connective tissues that resist stretching. When they become shortened, they restrict joint motion.

Step 2: Identifying the type of resistance.
When ligaments or fascia are stretched during joint movement, they produce a gradual, elastic resistance rather than an abrupt stop.

Step 3: Matching with end feel types.

• Soft end feel → due to soft tissue compression, not applicable here.
• Hard end feel → involves bone contact, not relevant.
• Empty end feel → due to pain, not structural shortening.
• Firm end feel → due to ligament/capsule stretch.

Step 4: Conclusion.
Since ligamentous or fascial shortening produces resistance due to stretching of connective tissue, it results in: \[ \boxed{\text{Firm end feel}} \]