Which joint has a normative ROM endpoint of 0-45 degrees with a Firm end feel for lateral flexion?

• A. Shoulder Abduction
• B. Cervical Lateral Flexion
• C. Cervical Rotation
• D. Ankle Dorsiflexion

Answer: (B)

The movement being tested is lateral flexion of the neck. The normal endpoint for this neck movement is about 0–45 degrees, and the end feel is firm, reflecting stretch of the neck muscles and tension in the surrounding joints and capsules as you slide the head sideways.

Other joints don’t fit both parts of the criterion. Shoulder abduction is a much larger range (roughly 0–180 degrees) and isn’t described by 0–45 degrees of lateral neck bending. Cervical rotation involves turning the head rather than bending it to the side and typically allows a greater ROM, around 0–60 degrees, with a different end-feel profile. Ankle dorsiflexion has a smaller ROM (about 0–20 degrees) and a firm end feel due to posterior structures, but its endpoint range doesn’t match 0–45 degrees and it isn’t lateral flexion of the neck.

So, cervical lateral flexion best matches both the 0–45 degree endpoint and the firm end feel.