Range of Motion

Defining Range of Motion

Range of motion(ROM) can be defined as the movement of body part through a particular joint’s complete,unrestricted.,normal motion. Normal joint movement is dictated by the following:
1. The type of joint involved
2. The shape and surface of the joint
3. The degrees of freedom of motion allowed at the particular joint
4. The contractile and noncontractile tissues surrounding the joint.

Normal ROM accurs smoothly when active muscle contraction produces muscle shortening. As the muscle shortens, the bone on which the particular muscle inserts is acted on, yielding physiological joint motion. Normal ROMs have been established for each joint of the body. ROM is categorized as being active, active-assisted, or passive. Active and passive components can be subdivided into physiological and accessory components.

Active ROM

Active range of motion(AROM) is the motion produced by active muscle contraction. Forces generated by the muscle that are primarily responsible for a given motion cause the body segment to which the muscle’s origin. AROM can occur with the assistance of gravity, with the effect of gravity eliminated, or against gravity. AROM must be assessed as the body part moves against gravity and it provides a true measurement of the muscle and tendon tissue’s effect on joint movement.

Active-Assisted Range of Motion(AAROM)

AAROM is motion in which the body segment being moved is assisted through at least part of the normal ROM. Motion must be assisted because of a breakdown in normal ROM. Assistance can be offered by gravity, an uninvolved body part, an object or device,or an external force.

Passive ROM

Passive range of motion(PROM) is movement that takes place with no active muscle assistance.it is usually performed by another person who takes the body part through the ROM manually. The athlete may also perform PROM manually on him or herself.