Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

Which end-feel is characterized by resistance with a slight give, similar to the feeling of stretching a rubber band?

1. Soft end feel

2. Hard or bony end feel

3. Firm end feel

4. Empty end feel

The correct answer is: Firm end feel

The end-feel characterized by resistance with a slight give, similar to stretching a rubber band, is referred to as a firm end feel. This type of end-feel typically occurs when there is resistance primarily from ligaments, joint capsules, and muscles as they approach their limit of extensibility. In clinical practice, a firm end feel is often observed during passive range of motion assessments where there is a definite, yet yielding sensation that indicates normal joint and soft tissue function. This is distinct from a hard or bony end feel, where there is a sudden stop with no movement past that point, resembling the feel of two hard surfaces coming together. Similarly, a soft end feel involves significant compliance, typical in tissues like muscle or fat, which does not provide the same resistance. An empty end feel indicates that movement is stopped by pain or the patient’s unwillingness to go further, rather than by the limitation of soft tissue or joint structures. Thus, the firm end feel reflects an ideal scenario of joint mechanics, illustrating appropriate soft tissue tension and joint integrity.