National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Practice Exam

What term refers to the decreased normal movement and functionality of a joint affecting its range of motion?

1. Hypomobility

2. Hypermobility

3. Stability

4. Immobility

The correct answer is: Hypomobility

The term that refers to the decreased normal movement and functionality of a joint affecting its range of motion is hypomobility. This condition indicates that a joint is not able to move through its full range due to factors such as stiffness, tightness of surrounding muscles or connective tissues, or joint pathology. Hypomobility can greatly impact a person's ability to perform daily activities, as well as their overall functional movement patterns. It may lead to compensatory movement strategies, increased risk for injury, and may affect performance in physical activities. In contrast, hypermobility refers to increased range of motion in a joint, which is quite the opposite of hypomobility. Stability refers to the ability of a joint to maintain its position under load and resist excessive movement, while immobility refers to the complete inability to move a joint, usually due to injury or severe dysfunction. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for identifying movement-related issues and designing effective rehabilitation or training programs.