Chapter: Stability and Motor Function in OT

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the chapter on stability, motor function, ROM, and related assessments in occupational therapy.

Joint mobility

The actual range of motion within a joint—the amount of movement available at that joint.

Joint stability

The ability to maintain the structure and integrity of a joint during movement and activity.

Muscle power

The strength or force-producing capacity of a muscle.

Muscle tone

The degree of muscle tension or resistance to passive movement, indicating how tight or relaxed the muscle is.

Muscle endurance

The ability of a muscle to sustain a contraction or continue performing work over time before fatigue.

Innate reflexes (ATNR, STNR, Palmer, Moro, Galant)

Automatic, involuntary movements present at birth that help with early movement and motor development.

Postural reactions

Involuntary movement responses related to posture and balance, not consciously controlled.

Gait and mobility

Walking patterns and the ability to navigate the environment, including use of assistive devices.

Performance skills

Observable, goal-directed movements a client performs to achieve a desired occupation or task.

Motor development

Changes in movement that begin at birth and continue throughout life, including the emergence and integration of reflexes.

Motor learning

Acquisition or modification of movement patterns over hours, days, or weeks as a person practices a task.

Motor control

The regulation and coordination of movements to achieve functional movement; outcome of motor learning.

Three motor behavior components

Motor development, motor learning, and motor control are the core components of motor behavior.

Abnormal atypical movement

Movement unable to produce the desired movement strategy to complete an activity; often due to impairment.

Normal atypical movement

Motor response where typical strategies are temporary or not feasible but movement is still possible, though awkward.

Normal typical movement

Movement pattern performed efficiently and without issue.

Normal enhanced movement

High-efficiency, adaptable movement with consistent performance, reflecting advanced skill.

Proximal stability for distal mobility

Stability of trunk/proximal segments enables movement of the distal limbs.

Center of gravity

The balance point of the body or a body part; moves with posture and affects stability.

Line of gravity

The vertical line from the center of gravity toward the earth.

Base of support

The area on which a body rests; increasing this area enhances stability.

Stability principle: lower center of gravity

Lowering the center of gravity increases stability.

Stability principle: CG/line of gravity within base of support

The center of gravity and its vertical line must stay within the base of support for balance.

Stability principle: increasing base of support

A wider stance or footing increases stability.

Stability principle: increasing mass

Increasing the object's mass can improve stability by increasing inertia.

Stability principle: increasing friction

More friction between surfaces reduces slipping and increases stability.

Stability principle: focusing on a spot

Visual fixation on a stable point helps maintain balance.

Posture control and anticipatory adjustments

Regulation of body position with adjustments made before or during movement to maintain stability.

Visual system influence on posture

Vision contributes to posture and balance; closing eyes can reduce stability.

Therapeutic intervention (therapeutic activities)

Purposeful tasks performed during therapy to improve movement and function; may include adaptive equipment or task practice.

Range of motion (ROM)

The arc through which a joint can move.

Active range of motion (AROM)

The joint movement performed by the client without assistance.

Passive range of motion (PROM)

The therapist moves the joint for the client without the client's muscle activation.

Active-assisted range of motion (AAROM)

The client moves the joint with some assistance from the therapist or device.

Neutral zero

Anatomical starting position for ROM measurements (zero degrees).

End feel

The sensation at the end of ROM used to gauge limiting tissues; can be soft, firm, hard, or abnormal.

Soft end feel

End feel where soft tissue compression yields a cushioning sensation.

Firm end feel

End feel with tissue tension (ligaments, joint capsule) stopping movement.

Hard end feel

End feel where bone-on-bone contact limits further movement.

Manual Muscle Testing (MMT)

A method to grade muscle strength on a 0–5 scale based on movement against gravity and resistance.

MMT grading (0-5)

0: no movement; 1: trace contraction; 2: movement with gravity eliminated; 3: movement against gravity; 4: movement against gravity with some resistance; 5: normal strength.

MMT steps

Positioning the limb, stabilizing the joint, palpating muscles, observing contractions, applying resistance, and grading strength.

Goniometry basics

Measurement of joint angles; ROM expressed in degrees using anatomical landmarks and axes.