What are the major types of ROM? An overview of Range of Motion

According to Physiopedia, changes in joints can occur after just three days of immobility, underscoring the need for movement. To maintain and improve joint health, it's crucial to understand what are the major types of ROM, or range of motion, and how they apply to different health situations.

Quick Summary

Range of motion describes the extent of movement possible in a joint and is classified into categories based on how the movement is performed. The major types include Active, Passive, and Active-Assistive, each serving a distinct purpose in health, fitness, and rehabilitation.

Key Points

• Active ROM: Movement by the individual's own muscles to build strength.

• Passive ROM: Movement by an external force to maintain flexibility post-injury or surgery.

• Active-Assistive ROM: Combines individual effort with external assistance for gradual strength recovery.

• The Hierarchy of Recovery: Rehabilitation often moves from Passive to Active-Assistive, then Active, and finally Resistive ROM.

• Goniometer: Used by professionals to measure joint ROM accurately.

• Benefits of ROM: Regular ROM exercises help prevent stiffness, increase flexibility, and maintain muscle tone.

Range of motion (ROM) is a fundamental concept in general health, particularly within physical therapy and fitness. It refers to the distance and direction a joint can move to its full potential. The movement of a joint is influenced by various anatomical structures, including the configuration of bones, the joint capsule, ligaments, tendons, and surrounding muscles.

Factors Affecting Range of Motion

Factors such as injury, arthritis, a sedentary lifestyle, surgery, and neuromuscular conditions can all influence ROM.

The Major Types of ROM

Physical therapists evaluate and prescribe exercises based on three principal categories of ROM: Active, Passive, and Active-Assistive. Resistive ROM is also used to build strength.

Active Range of Motion (AROM)

Active ROM occurs when an individual moves a joint using their own muscles. It is used daily and reflects functional mobility, assessing muscle function and strength.

Passive Range of Motion (PROM)

Passive ROM involves an external force moving a joint while the individual's muscles are relaxed. It is used when self-movement is not possible, like after surgery or with paralysis, helping maintain flexibility and circulation.

Active-Assistive Range of Motion (AAROM)

Active-Assistive ROM is a combination where the individual starts the movement and external help completes it. This is useful when weakness or pain is present, bridging the gap between passive and active movement and aiding in strength recovery.

Resistive Range of Motion (RROM)

Resistive ROM involves moving a joint against external resistance to build muscle strength and endurance.

The Hierarchy of ROM for Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation often starts with PROM, progresses to AAROM and AROM, and may conclude with RROM to restore function.

Comparison of Major ROM Types

A comparison of the major ROM types is provided below:	Feature	Active Range of Motion (AROM)	Passive Range of Motion (PROM)	Active-Assistive Range of Motion (AAROM)
Initiator of Movement	The individual's own muscles.	An external force (therapist, machine).	The individual with partial assistance from an external force.
Muscle Engagement	Full and voluntary muscle contraction.	Muscles are relaxed and inactive.	Partial muscle engagement by the individual.
Primary Goal	Improve strength, coordination, and functional mobility.	Maintain joint flexibility and prevent stiffness.	Rebuild muscle strength and control gradually.
Used When...	Patient can voluntarily contract and control movement.	Patient cannot move the joint due to paralysis, pain, or surgery.	Patient has muscle weakness, pain, or needs protection of healing tissues.

Tools for Measuring ROM

A goniometer is commonly used to measure joint angles, while an inclinometer is used for spinal ROM.

Conclusion

Understanding ROM types is vital for joint health, rehabilitation, and performance. Using appropriate ROM techniques helps maintain or regain joint function.

Outbound Link

For a deeper dive into the clinical applications and evidence-based practices surrounding ROM, visit {Link: Physiopedia https://www.physio-pedia.com/Range_of_Motion}.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Active and Passive ROM?

Active ROM is movement performed by your own muscles to build strength, while Passive ROM is applied externally to maintain flexibility when you cannot move a joint yourself.

When is Passive ROM used in rehabilitation?

Passive ROM is used when a patient cannot move a joint independently (e.g., after surgery, injury, or paralysis) to prevent stiffness.

What is a contracture and how does ROM help prevent it?

A contracture is a limitation in passive ROM. ROM exercises, especially Passive ROM, prevent contractures by moving the joint and stretching tissues to counter immobilization effects.

What is the purpose of Active-Assistive ROM?

AAROM helps individuals with weakness or pain move a joint through its full range, bridging passive and active recovery by combining partial patient effort with external assistance.

Can I perform ROM exercises at home?

Many Active ROM exercises are suitable for home. However, consult a healthcare professional before starting any program, especially for Passive or Active-Assistive exercises.

How is range of motion measured by professionals?

Physical therapists typically use a goniometer to measure joint angles and an inclinometer for spinal movements.

Does having good flexibility guarantee good mobility?

Not necessarily. High Passive ROM (flexibility) doesn't ensure good Active ROM (mobility) if muscles lack strength to control movement.