Flexion

After assessing a patient's passive range of motion, in the knee the therapist determines there is limition in flexion 

which of the following lists of structure may be responsible for the restricted range of motion. 

(A) quardricepts , ligaments , kneed joint capsule , fascia 

(B) Hamstrings ligaments , knee joint capsule, fascia 

(c) Gastrocnemius , ligaments, knee joint capsule , faccia 

(d) Ligaments , knee joint capsule , fascia 

Passive range for motion acces the non contractile joint structure such as ligament ,capsules , and fasciae . 

Active range of motion would also asscess the contractile elements such as muscle and tendons in addition to the non contractile element . Therefore , the specific muscles involved in knee flexion were not applicable to this question. 

Restricted range of motion (ROM) around a joint can come from:

Muscles/tendons (if they are tight or shortened, e.g., quadriceps, hamstrings, gastrocnemius).

Ligaments (limit movement to prevent injury).

Joint capsule (the fibrous covering around the joint).

Fascia (connective tissue layers around muscles).

Now check the options:

(A) Quadriceps, ligaments, knee joint capsule, fascia → ✅ Yes, all of these can restrict knee ROM (tight quads limit flexion).

(B) Hamstrings, ligaments, knee joint capsule, fascia → ✅ Also correct, because tight hamstrings restrict knee extension.

(C) Gastrocnemius, ligaments, knee joint capsule, fascia → ✅ Correct too, since gastrocnemius crosses the knee and can limit extension.

(D) Ligaments, knee joint capsule, fascia → ✅ Also correct, but this list leaves out muscles, which are a major factor in ROM restriction.

👉 Best answer: (A), (B), and (C) are more complete than (D), because they include muscles along with passive structures.

If your test is asking for the most complete list, I’d choose (A) since quadriceps + supporting tissues are classic for restricting knee movement.

Would you like me to make a table comparing how each muscle group (quads, hamstrings, gastrocnemius) restricts motion at the knee?

You said:

yes

ChatGPT said:

Great 👍 Here’s a simple comparison table for how different structures can restrict knee joint range of motion (ROM):

Structure How it restricts ROM Direction limited

Quadriceps (front thigh) If tight, they resist knee flexion (can’t bend fully) Flexion

Hamstrings (back thigh) If tight, they resist knee extension (can’t straighten fully) Extension

Gastrocnemius (calf muscle, crosses knee) If tight, they resist knee extension (especially with ankle dorsiflexed) Extension

Ligaments (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL) Stabilize and prevent excessive motion in all planes Both flexion & extension (and side motions)

Joint capsule Fibrous covering around joint, can stiffen and restrict general mobility All directions

Fascia Connective tissue layers around muscles, if tight can limit glide and movement All directions

👉 In short:

Muscles (quads, hamstrings, gastrocnemius) = active restrictions (tightness/shortness).

Ligaments, capsule, fascia = passive restrictions (structural stiffness).