NBCE Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners

When active range of motion reproduces symptoms while passive range of motion does not, this typically indicates that the structures responsible for the symptom reproduction are those that are actively engaged during the movement. In this case, muscles are the most likely structures involved.

Active range of motion requires the contraction of muscles, which can lead to pain if there is an underlying muscular issue, such as a strain, inflammation, or trigger points. These muscular conditions can create discomfort when the muscle is required to perform an action, hence reproducing symptoms during active movement.

Conversely, passive range of motion does not involve muscular contraction; rather, it tests the movement of the joint without the active use of surrounding muscles. Therefore, if symptoms do not arise during passive movement, it suggests that the issue may be localized within the muscle itself or related to neuromuscular factors rather than other structures like nerves, ligaments, or tendons, which often would elicit symptoms regardless of whether the joint is moved actively or passively.

This understanding helps in pinpointing the source of pain and directing appropriate therapeutic interventions.