ROM Exercises

Question 1

What is Range Of Motion?

Answer 1

The full motion possible in joints.

Also a basic technique used for examination of movement and for initiating movement.

Question 2

What is functional excursion?

Answer 2

The distance that a muscle is capable of shortening after it has been elongated to its maximum.

Directly influenced by the muscle it crosses.

Question 3

Active Insufficiency

Answer 3

Occurs when a muscle is shortened to its maximum.

Question 4

Passive Insufficiency

Answer 4

Occurs when a muscle is elongated or lengthened to its maximum.

Question 5

What is PROM (Passive Range of Motion)?

Answer 5

It is movement of a segment within the unrestricted ROM that is produced entirely by external force; there is little to no voluntary muscle contraction.

Question 6

What are the indications of PROM?

Answer 6

• Acute and inflamed tissue
• A patient is not able to or not supposed to perform active motion
• After surgical repair of contractile tissue

Question 7

What are the limitations of PROM?

Answer 7

It does NOT:

• Prevent muscle atrophy
• Increase strength or endurance
• Assist circulation to the extent that active, voluntary muscle contraction does

Question 8

What are the contraindications to ROM Exercises?

Answer 8

• Pain
• Motion is detrimental to the healing process
• Motion or patient response is life-threatening

Question 9

What are the precautions to ROM Exercises?

Answer 9

• Carefully controlled motion with the limits of pain-free motion
• PROM (major joints) and AROM (to ankles and feet) to prevent thrombus formation
• AROM to upper extremities along with limited and supervised walking are beneficial after heart attacks and heart surgery

Question 10

What are the goals for PROM?

Answer 10

• Maintain joint and connective tissue mobility
• Decrease or inhibit pain
• Minimize effects of the formation of contractures

Question 11

What is Active Range of Motion (AROM)?

Answer 11

It is the movement of a segment within the unrestricted ROM that is produced by active contraction of the muscles crossing that joint.

Question 12

What are the indications of AROM?

Answer 12

• When a patient is able to contract the muscles actively and move a segment with or without assistance
• Used in segments above and below immobilization to prepare for future requirements like using crutches

Question 13

What are the limitations of A-AROM and AROM?

Answer 13

It does NOT:

• Maintain or increase strength
• Develop skill or coordination except in the movement patterns used

Question 14

What are the goals of A-AROM and AROM?

Answer 14

• Maintain physiological elasticity and contractility of muscles
• Provide a stimulus for bone and joint tissue integrity
• Develop coordination and motor skills for functional activities

Question 15

What is Active-Assistive Range of Motion (A-AROM)?

Answer 15

It is where manual (therapist) or mechanical assistance is applied to achieve end range due to prime mover insufficiency or weakness.

Question 16

What are the indications of A-AROM?

Answer 16

• When patient has weak musculature and cannot complete ROM against gravity
• When the patient has little control over the movements in a segment (low kinesthetics/proprioceptive awareness)

Question 17

What is Self Assisted Range of Motion (S-AROM)?

Answer 17

Where the patient uses unaffected limb with or without equipment to move the affected segments through ROM.