A movement test is a structured examination of the movements of a joint or body region. It assesses range of motion, movement pattern, pain behaviour, movement quality and the end-feel under passive guidance.
Typically, active movements, passive movements and resisted movements are combined. Comparing these three test types provides clues about contractile structures (e.g. muscle, tendon) and non-contractile structures (e.g. joint, capsule, ligament). Findings are interpreted in side-to-side comparison and in the context of the patient's history.