Range of motion (ROM) is a term used to describe how far a joint or muscle can move in various directions. It is used to measure how much a joint can be moved independently (active ROM) or with assistance (passive ROM). Passive ROM, or PROM, is the range of motion achieved when an outside force, such as a therapist, creates the movement. Active ROM, or AROM, is the range of motion achieved when a person moves a body part using their muscles, without outside help. Adhesion can limit ROM, and the type of ROM exercised depends on the underlying problem and the potential for damage. For example, in the case of a repaired or broken extremity, AROM can cause damage, while PROM can be safer while promoting joint and tissue integrity.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Definition | How far you can move or stretch a part of your body, such as a joint or a muscle |
Range | Differs from person to person |
Measurement tool | Goniometer |
Measurement procedure | Line up the arms of the goniometer with a joint |
Types | Active Range of Motion (AROM), Passive Range of Motion (PROM), Active-assisted Range of Motion (AAROM) |
AROM definition | The space in which you move a part of your body by using your muscles |
PROM definition | The space in which a part of your body can move when someone or something is creating the movement |
AAROM definition | The space in which you can move your injured body part with some help to ensure further injury or damage does not occur |
AROM observations | Willingness of the patient to move, when and where the onset of pain is, whether movement increases the intensity and quality of pain, reaction of the patient to pain, amount of observable restriction and its nature, rhythm and quality of movement, movement of associated joints |
PROM observations | When and where the onset of pain is, whether movement increases the intensity and quality of pain, pattern of restriction, movement of associated joints |
AROM vs PROM | AROM is typically less than PROM as each joint has a small amount of available motion that is not under voluntary control |
What You'll Learn
- AROM is used when you can start moving independently after an injury or surgery
- PROM is used when you want to increase ROM or prevent contractures
- PROM is typically greater than AROM due to the stretch of tissues surrounding the joint
- PROM is used during the initial healing phase after surgery or injury
- AROM is good for your overall health and improves your mobility over time
AROM is used when you can start moving independently after an injury or surgery
Active Range of Motion (AROM) is the range of movement that can be achieved when opposing muscles contract and relax, resulting in joint movement. It is the arc of motion a patient produces during a voluntary, unassisted muscle contraction. AROM is used when you can start moving independently after an injury or surgery.
AROM is typically performed by the patient independently and when the patient is able to voluntarily contract, control, and coordinate a movement. For example, the AROM of your shoulder is determined by how far you can reach your arm up above your head and the circumference of the circular motion you can make with your arm.
AROM is controlled by muscle contraction and flexion that allows it to extend the appendage, but it also depends on joint flexibility and other factors. AROM is different for each joint and individual, depending on many different factors.
AROM is used in diagnosis, rehabilitation, and fitness. Doctors use AROM measurements as one of the tools to diagnose many joint or soft tissue injuries. Physical therapists use AROM as a key indicator in rehabilitation. Many athletes also use AROM to improve their fitness levels.
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PROM is used when you want to increase ROM or prevent contractures
Passive Range of Motion (PROM) is used when you want to increase Range of Motion (ROM) or prevent contractures. PROM is the range of movement achieved when an outside force, such as a therapist, causes movement of a joint. This is usually the maximum range of motion that a joint can move and is performed when the patient is unable or not permitted to move the body part. PROM is particularly useful when a situation such as a stroke or accident has left a person bedridden or wheelchair-bound.
ROM exercises are important for preventing the development of adaptive muscle shortening, contractures, and shortening of the capsule, ligaments, and tendons. PROM can also be used to prevent adhesions between myo-fascia.
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PROM is typically greater than AROM due to the stretch of tissues surrounding the joint
Range of motion (ROM) is the extent to which a body part can move around a joint. Active range of motion (AROM) is the movement that can be achieved when opposing muscles contract and relax, resulting in joint movement. Passive range of motion (PROM) is the movement achieved when an outside force causes the joint to move. PROM is typically greater than AROM due to the stretch of the tissues surrounding the joint and the reduced bulk of relaxed muscles compared to contracting muscles.
AROM is controlled by muscle contraction and flexion, but it also depends on joint flexibility and other factors. AROM is different for each joint and individual, depending on factors such as genetics, age, fitness levels, injuries, and medical conditions. For example, the AROM of the shoulder is determined by how far an individual can reach their arm up above their head and the circumference of the circular motion they can make with their arm.
PROM is often performed when a patient is unable or not permitted to move a body part independently. It is usually the maximum range of motion that a joint can move. PROM provides information about the integrity of the joint surfaces, extensibility of the joint capsule, and the surrounding ligaments, muscles, fascia, and skin.
ROM exercises are important for preventing the development of adaptive muscle shortening, contractures, and shortening of the capsule, ligaments, and tendons. They also provide sensory stimulation. Just 10 minutes of stretching three times a week can help improve range of motion.
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PROM is used during the initial healing phase after surgery or injury
Passive Range of Motion (PROM) is a type of Range of Motion (ROM) exercise that is beneficial during the initial healing phase after surgery or injury. ROM refers to the extent to which a body part can move around a joint, and PROM involves an external force, such as a therapist, creating the movement. PROM is particularly useful when an individual is bedridden or wheelchair-bound after an accident or stroke.
During the initial healing phase, PROM can be safely performed by a professional when the patient is unable or not permitted to move the affected body part. This helps to maintain and improve the patient's range of motion, which can be lost due to lack of use. PROM can also aid in healing and recovery from soft tissue and joint lesions and assist in neuromuscular re-education.
The initial healing phase after surgery or injury involves stopping blood loss through vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation, followed by the inflammatory phase, where white blood cells and thrombocytes remove damaged tissue and bacteria. This is followed by the proliferative phase, where new tissue, blood vessels, and skin cells are formed, and finally, the maturation and remodelling phase, where the wound achieves maximum strength. PROM can be beneficial throughout these stages, aiding in the removal of damaged tissue, promoting blood flow, and assisting in the recovery of range of motion.
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AROM is good for your overall health and improves your mobility over time
Active Range of Motion (AROM) is the range of movement that can be achieved when opposing muscles contract and relax, resulting in joint movement. It is achieved when an individual makes an effort without outside help. For example, lifting your arms above your head to stretch the muscles is an AROM exercise.
- Improves physical well-being and prevents injury: Being aware of your AROM can help you improve your physical well-being and avoid injuries. Knowing your limits can help you exercise within a safe range, preventing muscle tears or joint damage.
- Strengthens muscles: With AROM exercises, you actively engage and strengthen your muscles during movement. This leads to improved mobility and overall health.
- Increases range of motion: Holding AROM movements or stretches for at least 30 seconds helps build strength in specific muscle groups, increasing your range of motion over time.
- Assists in rehabilitation: AROM exercises are crucial in the rehabilitation process after an injury or surgery. They help regain range of motion, improve joint function, and enhance overall mobility.
- Promotes independence: AROM exercises can increase your ability to perform daily activities independently, improving your quality of life.
- Prevents soft tissue and joint issues: Regular AROM exercises can help maintain joint and soft tissue mobility, prevent contractures, and reduce the risk of adhesions and other issues.
In conclusion, AROM exercises are beneficial for your overall health and can lead to improved mobility and independence. They are an essential part of physical therapy and injury rehabilitation, helping individuals regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
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Frequently asked questions
Active Range of Motion (AROM) is the movement of a body part that you can achieve by using your muscles without any outside help. Passive Range of Motion (PROM) is the movement of a body part that is achieved when someone or something else is creating the movement, such as a physical therapist or a machine.
PROM is beneficial when a situation such as a stroke has left a patient bedridden or wheelchair-bound. It is also used when a patient is unable to move, to prevent contractures or skin pressure ulcers. PROM is also used to increase the range of motion or to prevent contractures.
AROM is preferred when there is a risk of causing more damage by going too far in the range of motion. For example, in the case of a repaired or broken extremity, AROM can preserve the range of motion while reducing the risk of damage to the joint and surrounding tissues.