Range of motion (ROM) is the extent to which a body part can move around a joint. ROM is usually assessed during physical therapy and is categorised into three types: active range of motion (AROM), passive range of motion (PROM), and active-assisted range of motion (AAROM). PROM is used when a patient is unable or not permitted to move their body part, whereas AROM is performed by the patient independently. PROM is used instead of AROM when there is a risk of further damage to the joint if the patient performs AROM. For example, in the case of a repaired or broken extremity, AROM can cause damage, whereas PROM can be safe while promoting joint and tissue integrity.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Definition of PROM | The ROM that is achieved when an outside force (such as a therapist or a CPM machine) exclusively causes movement of a joint and is usually the maximum range of motion that a joint can move. |
Definition of AROM | The ROM that can be achieved when opposing muscles contract and relax, resulting in joint movement. |
When PROM is used | When the patient is unable or not permitted to move the body part. |
When AROM is used | When the patient is able to voluntarily contract, control, and coordinate a movement. |
Advantages of PROM | PROM can be used to increase ROM, prevent contractures, and preserve movement. |
Advantages of AROM | AROM can be used to promote fluid movement, decrease edema, and preserve movement. |
What You'll Learn
PROM is used when there is a need to increase ROM or prevent contractures
PROM is used to prevent the development of adaptive muscle shortening, contractures, and shortening of the capsule, ligaments, and tendons. It also provides sensory stimulation.
When there is a need to increase ROM, PROM is used because it is the maximum ROM that a joint can move. PROM is also used to prevent contractures, as it can be performed when the patient is unable to move the body part.
For example, if someone has shoulder stiffness or a flaccid UE due to a stroke, then PROM is used.
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PROM is safer for injuries such as tendon repairs
Passive range of motion (PROM) is the ROM that is achieved when an outside force, such as a therapist, causes movement of a joint. PROM is usually performed when the patient is unable or not permitted to move the body part. PROM is used when there is a need to increase the range of motion or prevent contractures.
Tendon repair surgery may be helpful for people who have tendon injuries that are making it difficult for them to move a joint or are very painful. Tendon repair surgery may be carried out by making one or more small incisions in the skin over the damaged tendon, sewing the torn ends of the tendon together, and covering the area with sterile bandages or dressings.
Tendon injuries are relatively common and often require surgery to repair them. Tendon repair surgeries are usually straightforward but come with some minor risks.
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AROM promotes fluid movement and decreased edema
AROM, or Active Range of Motion, is the extent of movement that a joint can achieve when opposing muscles contract and relax. AROM is usually performed by the patient independently and is less than PROM, or Passive Range of Motion.
AROM is chosen over PROM when the patient is able to voluntarily contract, control, and coordinate movement. PROM is used when the patient is unable or not permitted to move the body part, and can cause damage if used in conditions where AROM is recommended.
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AROM is used when there is no restriction on active movement
Active Range of Motion (AROM) is the extent of movement a joint can achieve when opposing muscles contract and relax, resulting in the joint's movement. For example, the active range of motion to allow the elbow to bend requires the biceps to contract while the triceps muscle relaxes. AROM is usually performed by the patient independently when they are able to voluntarily contract, control, and coordinate a movement.
AROM is also used in rehabilitation. Physical therapists use it as a key indicator of recovery. If a patient is recovering from an injury, surgery, or serious condition, measuring AROM helps gauge their strength and control.
There are many benefits to AROM exercises, including improved range of motion, strengthened muscles, increased flexibility, reduced pain, and improved overall function.
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AROM is used to check for joint mobility limitations
Active Range of Motion (AROM) is the range of movement that can be achieved when opposing muscles contract and relax, resulting in joint movement. AROM is used to check for joint mobility limitations. It is the arc of motion a patient produces during a voluntary, unassisted muscle contraction.
AROM is typically performed by the patient independently and when the patient is able to voluntarily contract, control, and coordinate a movement. It is used to check for joint mobility limitations by observing:
- The 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
AROM is also used to check for joint mobility limitations by comparing it with Active-Assisted Range of Motion (AAROM). AAROM is when the joint receives partial assistance from an outside force. This is usually performed when the patient needs assistance with movement from an external force due to weakness, pain, or changes in muscle tone.
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Frequently asked questions
PROM stands for Passive Range of Motion. It is the ROM that is achieved when an outside force, such as a therapist or a machine, causes the movement of a joint. It is usually the maximum range of motion that a joint can move.
AROM stands for Active Range of Motion. It is the ROM that can be achieved when opposing muscles contract and relax, resulting in joint movement. For example, the active range of motion to allow the elbow to bend requires the bicep to contract while the tricep muscle relaxes.
PROM is used when a patient is unable or not permitted to move their body part. It is also used when a patient needs assistance with movement from an external force due to weakness, pain, or changes in muscle tone.
PROM can be used to increase movement at a joint, increase the function of a joint and the entire limb, improve movement efficiency, increase independence, improve and maintain joint integrity, and prevent contractures.