Resistive movement in therapy is described as:

Resistive movement in therapy specifically refers to situations where the client actively engages their muscles against the therapist's applied force or pressure. This technique involves the client providing resistance as the therapist attempts to move the joint, thereby allowing the therapist to assess muscle strength and control, as well as improve the functional capacity of the neuromuscular system.

This approach can be beneficial in various therapeutic settings, including sports massage, as it helps in reinforcing muscle engagement and can lead to better stabilization and balance. By having the client resist, the therapist can also identify any weaknesses or imbalances in the muscle groups being targeted.

In contrast, the other options describe different types of movements or therapeutic approaches that do not involve the client resisting against the therapist's force. For example, the first option implies passive movement by the therapist, while the third focuses on supportive movement rather than resistance. The fourth option describes a scenario where the therapist is applying massage, which is distinct from the resistive movement technique.