Which statement correctly describes passive modalities?

• A. They require active patient effort.
• B. They are applied by the clinician without patient effort.
• C. They always involve movement.
• D. They are more effective than any active modality.

Answer: (B)

Passive modalities are therapies delivered to the body without requiring the patient to actively perform movements or contractions. They are applied or set up by the clinician while the patient remains passive, examples include ice or heat, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and manual therapy. The key idea is that the therapeutic effect comes from the clinician-directed intervention rather than the patient’s own effort. This is why the description that they are applied by the clinician without patient effort fits best. In contrast, active modalities require the patient to actively participate in movements or exercises, and statements claiming they always involve movement or are inherently more effective than active modalities are not accurate—the suitability and effectiveness depend on the specific condition and goals.