Range of Movement

Question 1

what is movement?

Answer 1

• motion caused by complex and highly coordinated mechaninal interactions between bones, muscles, ligaments and joints within the musculoskeletal system, under the influence of the nervous system

Question 2

why do we need to move?

Answer 2

• interact with the world around us
• maintain bone density
• maintain physical strength and fitness
• maintain healthy joints
• maintain circulation
• maintain mental well being
• maintain coordination and reflex reactivity
• improve concentration and learning skills

Question 3

what are the factors which affect movement?

Answer 3

• age
• gender
• flexibility
• muscle bulk
• nervous system
• injury and pathology

Question 4

what are the normal range of movements for shoulder:

• flexion
• extension
• abduction
• external rotation
• internal rotation

Answer 4

• flexion: 0 - 180
• extension: 0 - 60
• abduction: 0 - 180
• external rotation: 0 - 90
• internal rotatiojn: 0 - 70

Question 5

what are the normal range of motion of hip:

• flexion
• extension
• abduction
• adduction
• internal rotation
• external rotation

Answer 5

• flexion: 0 - 120
• extension: 0 - 15
• abduction: 0 - 45
• adduction: 0 - 30
• internal and external rotation: 0 - 45

Question 6

why do we need to know what causes limited range of movement?

Answer 6

• to know why and how it causes/influences limitation

- allows the right treatment to be selected

Question 7

what is passive movement and what does it tell us?

Answer 7

• movement by patients due to an external force, and not voluntary contraction by patients themselves
• tells us the integrity of articular surfaces and extensibility of soft tissues around the joint

Question 8

what is active movement and what does it tell us?

Answer 8

• movement generated by patients due to the voluntary contraction of muscles
• tells us about muscle strength, coordination of muscles and willingness of muscles to move

Question 9

what are the benefits of active movement?

Answer 9

• provides sensory feedback from muscles

- provide stimulus for bone and joint tissue integrity

Question 10

what is active-assisted movement and what is it used for?

Answer 10

• patients have some voluntary contractions but external forces also help to produce a movement
• used when patients have weaker muscles
• allows gradual strengthening of muscles so that muscles can function at an optimal level

Question 11

what are the advantages of passive and active ROM? (6)

Answer 11

• maintain joint and soft tissue integrity
• minimise effects of contractures
• maintain elasticity of the muscles
• help in blood circulation
• increases movement of synovial fluid in joint capsules and increases diffusion of nutrients
• assists with healing process post injury/surgery

Question 12

why do we measure ROM?

Answer 12

• tells us the amount of movement possible at the joint in any one direction
• informs us of any impairments or abnormalities at the joint
• ROM is used as an outcome measure
• allows us to track progress of treatment

Question 13

what are the normal ROM for knee:

• flexion
• extension

Answer 13

• knee flexion - 0 to 135 deg

- knee extension - 0 deg

Question 14

What are factors which can influence range of movement?

Answer 14

• muscle
• tendons
• ligaments
• joint surfaces