Range of Motion

Question 1

Range of Motion

Answer 1

the extent of movement that a joint is capable of performing. Range of motion is used when doing routine activities such as bathing, eating, and dressing.

Question 2

Purpose of ROM:

Answer 2

1. To prevent problems caused by a lack of movement
2. To prevent problems caused by inactivity, such as:
   a. contractures: a tightening and shortening of a muscle (e.g. footdrop)
   b. Muscles may atrophy (shrink) when they are not used
   c. Joints become stiff
   d. Blood clots and pressure sores may develop

Question 3

Active ROM:

Answer 3

Movements performed by the patient without help

Question 4

Passive ROM:

Answer 4

1. Movement cannot be performed by the patient;

2. The healthcare worker must move each joint through it’s range of motion for the patient.

Question 5

General rules for Range of Motion:

Answer 5

¥ Use good body mechanics; raise the bed to your waist level if the patient is in bed
¥ Expose only the body part being exercised
¥ Explain to the patient what you are going to do and teach the patient how to do them
¥ Support the extremity being exercised
¥ Move each joint until there is resistance but not pain
¥ Move each joint slowly, smoothly and gently
¥ Return the joint to a natural position after the movement
¥ Repeat each exercise 3-5 times

Question 6

Abduction

Answer 6

moving a body part away from the midline

Question 7

Adduction

Answer 7

moving a body part toward the midline

Question 8

Flexion

Answer 8

bending a body part

Question 9

Extension

Answer 9

straightening a body part

Question 10

Rotation

Answer 10

moving in a circle at a joint

Question 11

Hyperextension

Answer 11

excessive straightening of a body part

Question 12

Pronation

Answer 12

turning a body part downward

Question 13

Supination

Answer 13

turning a body part upward

Question 14

Inversion

Answer 14

turning a body part inward

Question 15

Eversion

Answer 15

turning a body part outward

Question 16

Dorsiflexion

Answer 16

bending toes backward toward face

Question 17

Plantar Flexion

Answer 17

pointing toes downward (like a ballerina)