AROM is an acronym for Active Range of Motion, a term used by physical therapists to refer to the range of movement a patient can perform without external assistance. It is one of three types of therapeutic exercises related to joint range of motion, the others being passive and active-assistive. AROM is used in diagnosis, rehabilitation, and fitness.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Full Form | Active Range of Motion |
Category | Therapeutic Exercises |
Dependent on | Muscle Control |
Measured by | Doctors, Physical Therapists |
Used in | Diagnosis, Rehabilitation, Fitness |
What You'll Learn
AROM is an acronym for Active Range of Motion
AROM is usually performed by the patient independently and when they are able to voluntarily contract, control, and coordinate a movement. It is often used in therapeutic exercises designed to increase the distance in a joint's movement.
There are two other types of range of motion exercises: Passive Range of Motion (PROM) and Active-Assisted Range of Motion (AAROM). PROM is performed when the patient is unable or not permitted to move the body part, and the movement is achieved by an outside force such as a therapist or a machine. AAROM is when the patient needs partial assistance from an outside force due to weakness, pain, or changes in muscle tone.
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 and can help improve joint function and increase independence.
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AROM is a category of therapeutic exercises
AROM, or Active Range of Motion, is a category of therapeutic exercises that pertain to the joints in the body and their range of motion. It is a term commonly used by physical therapists to refer to the range of movement a patient can perform without external assistance. This is achieved by using the muscles adjacent to the joint in question.
Every joint in the body is designed to allow movement. When two bones meet at a joint, they are connected by ligaments, tendons, and other tissues that allow each bone to move in its own direction. The range of motion, or ROM, is a simple concept: it is how much motion is allowed by a joint while it is still intact.
AROM is different from ROM. AROM is how far you can voluntarily move a joint. For example, the AROM of the 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, which allow the appendage to extend, but it also depends on joint flexibility and other factors. AROM is unique to each joint and individual, and it is influenced by many factors, including genetics, age, fitness levels, injuries, and medical conditions.
Passive range of motion, or PROM, is different from AROM. PROM relies on external assistance to move the joint to its maximum range of motion. PROM is not limited by muscle strength, whereas AROM requires muscle control. PROM can be used to determine the amount of movement possible at a joint, and it can also indicate muscle weakness if it is significantly greater than AROM.
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AROM is different from PROM (Passive Range of Motion)
AROM stands for Active Range of Motion, a term used by physical therapists to refer to the range of movement through which a patient can actively move a joint without external assistance. It is one of the factors gauged for both medical and fitness purposes.
Passive Range of Motion (PROM) is a type of range of motion exercise where the client applies no effort to move the joint, which is instead moved through a variety of stretching exercises by a physical therapist or with the help of equipment. PROM 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.
In contrast, Active Range of Motion (AROM) is a type of range of motion exercise where the client performs stretching exercises, moving the muscles around a weak joint without any aid. AROM is controlled by muscle contraction and flexion, allowing the appendage to extend, but it also depends on joint flexibility and other factors. AROM is different for each joint and individual, depending on many variables.
Both PROM and AROM are used in rehabilitation, as well as assisted active range of motion (AAROM). Doctors use AROM measurements as one of the tools to diagnose many joint or soft tissue injuries. Physical therapists also use AROM as a key indicator in rehabilitation to gauge recovery.
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AROM is used in diagnosis and rehabilitation
AROM, or Active Range of Motion, is a term used by physical therapists to refer to the range of movement a patient can make using the muscles adjacent to a joint. It is one of the factors gauged for both medical and fitness purposes. Doctors use AROM measurements to diagnose joint or soft tissue injuries, as the point of pain limits the AROM and indicates the type of injury. AROM is also used in rehabilitation to gauge recovery, as it indicates strength and control.
AROM in Diagnosis
Doctors use active range of motion measurements as a tool to diagnose joint or soft tissue injuries. For example, moving a joint with a sprained muscle or tendon will cause pain, and the point of pain limits the AROM and indicates the type of injury. If there is no pain but the AROM is limited, it can indicate a problem within the joint, such as a ligament sprain. Both PROM (Passive Range of Motion) and AROM help doctors diagnose injuries or conditions affecting joints and soft tissues to help determine the best treatment plan.
AROM in Rehabilitation
Physical therapists use AROM as a key indicator in rehabilitation. If a patient is recovering from an injury, surgery, or a serious condition like a stroke, measuring AROM helps gauge their recovery. The further they can voluntarily move the injured joint indicates strength and control. Increasing AROM can be achieved with exercises to strengthen the tendons and muscles, as well as stretches and treatments to improve joint mobility. Both PROM and AROM are used in rehabilitation, as well as assisted active range of motion (AAROM).
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AROM is important for health, fitness and mobility
AROM, or Active Range of Motion, is a term used by physical therapists to refer to the extent of movement a patient can produce at a joint without external assistance. It is an important indicator of health, fitness, and mobility for several reasons.
Firstly, AROM is used in diagnosis. Doctors can use AROM measurements to identify joint or soft tissue injuries. For instance, if moving a joint causes pain, this indicates a sprain of a muscle or tendon. However, if there is no pain but the AROM is limited, it suggests an issue within the joint itself, such as a ligament sprain. Thus, AROM helps doctors determine the best treatment plan.
Secondly, AROM is a key factor in rehabilitation. Physical therapists use it to assess recovery from injuries, surgeries, or serious conditions. The ability to voluntarily move a joint indicates strength and control, and increasing AROM can be achieved through exercises, stretches, and treatments to improve joint mobility.
Thirdly, AROM is important for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The range of motion of the limbs impacts sports performance and overall fitness levels. Exercises such as yoga, which combine stretching and strengthening, can increase AROM. However, it is crucial to avoid pushing the joints too far, as this can lead to injury.
Finally, AROM is an essential aspect of maintaining mobility and flexibility as we age. Genetics, age, fitness levels, injuries, and medical conditions can all impact AROM. If a reduction in AROM is noticed, seeking a medical diagnosis is recommended to identify and address the underlying cause.
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Frequently asked questions
AROM stands for Active Range of Motion.
AROM is a term commonly used by physical therapists to refer to the range of movement through which a patient can actively move a joint using the muscles adjacent to the joint. It is one of the factors gauged for both medical and fitness purposes.
PROM stands for Passive Range of Motion. While AROM relies on the muscles, tendons and ligaments to control the movement of the joint, PROM is not limited by the strength of the muscles. PROM is how far a joint can move with assistance.