COMAT COMAT Musculoskeletal and OMM Techniques 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which osteopathic manipulative technique uses a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust to restore motion to a restricted joint?
- Myofascial release
- Counterstrain
- HVLA thrust technique (Correct answer)
- Balanced ligamentous tension
Correct answer: HVLA thrust technique
HVLA (high-velocity, low-amplitude) thrust technique applies a rapid, controlled force to move a joint through a restrictive barrier.
Question 2: In osteopathic diagnosis, somatic dysfunction is characterized by which mnemonic?
- SOAP
- TART (Correct answer)
- HEENT
- OPQRST
Correct answer: TART
TART stands for Tissue texture changes, Asymmetry, Restriction of motion, and Tenderness — the four diagnostic criteria for somatic dysfunction.
Question 3: Counterstrain technique involves positioning the patient to reduce tension on which structure?
- Bone periosteum
- Tender point (Correct answer)
- Lymphatic vessel
- Cranial suture
Correct answer: Tender point
Counterstrain positions the patient to maximally shorten the muscle containing the tender point, reducing afferent nociceptive activity.
Question 4: Which muscle energy technique direction is used to treat a right rotated, sidebent-right lumbar segment (Type II dysfunction)?
- Engage the barrier and have patient push into rotation left
- Have patient extend the spine maximally
- Flex and rotate the segment to the left barrier, then have patient push right (Correct answer)
- Apply axial traction while rotating
Correct answer: Flex and rotate the segment to the left barrier, then have patient push right
For a right-rotated Type II dysfunction, the operator positions to the left rotational and left sidebending barrier and uses patient isometric effort against resistance.
Question 5: The Chapman's reflex points are viscerosomatic reflex points located primarily in which tissue layer?
- Periosteum
- Joint capsule
- Fascia and subcutaneous tissue (Correct answer)
- Muscle belly
Correct answer: Fascia and subcutaneous tissue
Chapman's reflex points are firm, discrete nodules found in the fascia and subcutaneous tissue that correspond to specific visceral pathology.
Question 6: A patient presents with a restricted right sacral base and left sacral apex — this describes which sacral dysfunction?
- Left on left forward torsion
- Right on left backward torsion (Correct answer)
- Left on right forward torsion
- Right on right forward torsion
Correct answer: Right on left backward torsion
A right sacral base restriction with left sacral apex restriction is consistent with a right-on-left backward torsion sacral dysfunction.
COMAT COMAT Musculoskeletal and OMM Techniques 1
Which osteopathic manipulative technique uses a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust to restore motion to a restricted joint?