OMM MIDTERM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | 2026
UPDATE | WITH COMPLETE SOLUTION.
Define Anatomic Barrier Answer - The limit of motion imposed by an anatomic
structure; the limit of passive motion
Define Physiologic barrier Answer - The limit of active motion
Elastic Barrier Answer - Range between the physiologic and anatomic barrier
of motion in which passive stretching occurs before tissue disruption
Restrictive Barrier Answer - A functional limit that abnormally diminishes the
normal physiologic range
Active ROM Answer - Motion resulting from use of muscles; patient moves
during treatment modalities
Passive ROM Answer - Motion resulting from passive movement (ex. Doctor
moves patient during treatment modality, patient does not move)
Describe Bony "End Feel" Characteristic Answer - Feels hard, ex: elbow
extension limited by bones
Describe Tendinous "End Feel" Characteristic Answer - Feels "elastic," ex: ankle
dorsiflexion limited by tension of achilles tendon
, Describe Ligamentous "End Feel" Characteristic Answer - Feels "firm and
abrupt," ex: ACL and PCL prevent excessive glide of femur on tibia
Describe Soft Tissue "End Feel" Characteristic Answer - Feels "soft," secondary
to tissue approximation ex: elbow flexion
Describe Empty "End Feel" Characteristic Answer - Guarding, voluntary
limitation of motion secondary to pain, not associated with anatomy per se
Define Somatic Dysfunction Answer - Impaired or altered functioning of the
related components of the somatic system: skeletal, arthrodial and myofascial
structures and related vascular, lymphatic and neural elements (SAM VLAN)
Name and describe the first "T" in "TART" Answer - Tissue texture
abnormalities: palpable evidence of disturbed physiology in the (paraspinal)
tissues
Name and describe the "A" in "TART" Answer - Asymmetry: difference in
position of body landmarks
Name and describe the "R" in "TART" Answer - Restricted motion: resistance to
movement in one direction (bind) and freedom of movement in the other
direction (ease)
Name and describe the last "T" in TART Answer - Tenderness: pressure applied
and patient reports discomfort, flinches or has facial change
Describe acute skin changes Answer - Hot, erythematous, wet, decreased skin
drag
UPDATE | WITH COMPLETE SOLUTION.
Define Anatomic Barrier Answer - The limit of motion imposed by an anatomic
structure; the limit of passive motion
Define Physiologic barrier Answer - The limit of active motion
Elastic Barrier Answer - Range between the physiologic and anatomic barrier
of motion in which passive stretching occurs before tissue disruption
Restrictive Barrier Answer - A functional limit that abnormally diminishes the
normal physiologic range
Active ROM Answer - Motion resulting from use of muscles; patient moves
during treatment modalities
Passive ROM Answer - Motion resulting from passive movement (ex. Doctor
moves patient during treatment modality, patient does not move)
Describe Bony "End Feel" Characteristic Answer - Feels hard, ex: elbow
extension limited by bones
Describe Tendinous "End Feel" Characteristic Answer - Feels "elastic," ex: ankle
dorsiflexion limited by tension of achilles tendon
, Describe Ligamentous "End Feel" Characteristic Answer - Feels "firm and
abrupt," ex: ACL and PCL prevent excessive glide of femur on tibia
Describe Soft Tissue "End Feel" Characteristic Answer - Feels "soft," secondary
to tissue approximation ex: elbow flexion
Describe Empty "End Feel" Characteristic Answer - Guarding, voluntary
limitation of motion secondary to pain, not associated with anatomy per se
Define Somatic Dysfunction Answer - Impaired or altered functioning of the
related components of the somatic system: skeletal, arthrodial and myofascial
structures and related vascular, lymphatic and neural elements (SAM VLAN)
Name and describe the first "T" in "TART" Answer - Tissue texture
abnormalities: palpable evidence of disturbed physiology in the (paraspinal)
tissues
Name and describe the "A" in "TART" Answer - Asymmetry: difference in
position of body landmarks
Name and describe the "R" in "TART" Answer - Restricted motion: resistance to
movement in one direction (bind) and freedom of movement in the other
direction (ease)
Name and describe the last "T" in TART Answer - Tenderness: pressure applied
and patient reports discomfort, flinches or has facial change
Describe acute skin changes Answer - Hot, erythematous, wet, decreased skin
drag
