National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) Practice Exam

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Which assessment technique is used to observe the overall alignment of the head, shoulders, spine, and pelvis?

  1. Functional Movement Test

  2. Postural Assessment

  3. Range of Motion Evaluation

  4. Muscle Strength Testing

The correct answer is: Postural Assessment

The technique used to observe the overall alignment of the head, shoulders, spine, and pelvis is postural assessment. This method involves visually inspecting the client's posture while standing or sitting to identify any deviations or misalignments in their body structure. During a postural assessment, practitioners can evaluate symmetry and identify potential areas of concern, such as rounded shoulders or an uneven pelvis, which can inform treatment strategies aimed at improving body mechanics and alleviating discomfort. Other assessment techniques do not primarily focus on posture. For example, functional movement tests examine how a person moves during specific activities to evaluate kinetic patterns and functional fitness. Range of motion evaluation assesses the degree of movement available at a joint, which does not directly provide information about overall body alignment. Muscle strength testing measures the force output of muscles but does not address alignment and postural relationships among different body segments.