Which of the following is a characteristic of passive techniques in osteopathic treatment?

In the context of osteopathic treatment, passive techniques are designed to involve minimal or no active participation from the patient. These techniques rely solely on the practitioner's actions to manipulate the patient's body without requiring the patient to exert effort. This means that the practitioner performs the necessary movements or adjustments while the patient remains relaxed and passive. Such techniques can include various forms of stretching, mobilization, or manipulation that aim to improve mobility, relieve tension, or enhance function.

The other options involve aspects that are not characteristic of passive techniques. For instance, requiring active participation implies that the patient must engage in the process, which is contrary to the nature of passive techniques. Similarly, resistance from the patient or joint mobilization performed by the patient suggests an active role that is inconsistent with passive treatment approaches, where the practitioner is the one facilitating the movement or adjustment without patient involvement. By understanding this distinction, it becomes clearer how option B accurately describes the foundational principle of passive techniques in osteopathic practice.