Goals for Range of Motion

Range of motion describes the amount of joint movement that is available. Range of motion is measured in degrees, and normal range is different for each joint in the body. It can be limited after injury or surgery, in which case specific exercises must be performed to return to normal function. Several different types of range of motion activities are commonly performed.

Active Range of Motion

• Active range of motion, or AROM, describes the amount of motion through which a person can independently move a joint. It is accomplished without help from another person or any equipment. General guidelines are published for normal AROM at each joint; however, every person is different, and these numbers might not be an appropriate goal. AROM goals can be set based on measurements taken on the uninjured joint on the opposite side of the person's body. In some cases, full AROM may not be possible to achieve, particularly after some types of surgery. The goal for these circumstances is to achieve functional range of motion, or enough motion for independent ability to perform daily tasks.

Active-Assisted Range of Motion

• Active-assisted range of motion, or AAROM, combines a person's own efforts to move a body part with an external source of assistance such as another person or piece of equipment. AAROM exercises for the arms can be performed with a dowel or broomstick, over-the-door pulleys, a belt or a bath towel. A bath towel, belt or bed sheet can be used for AAROM with the legs. AAROM exercises can also be performed by a health care professional or family member who has been trained in proper technique. The goal for AAROM is to improve a person's ability to move without putting a lot of strain on the tendons and muscles.

Passive Range of Motion

• Passive range of motion, or PROM, is performed by another person or a piece of exercise equipment such as a CPM (continuous passive motion) machine. The goal of PROM is to maintain joint mobility while resting the tendons that cross the joint. If joint mobility is not maintained, the capsule around it can become tight. This will prevent the person from being able to move the body part independently when AROM is allowed. PROM should be performed with special instruction from a health care provider to prevent injury to healing structures.

Resistive Range of Motion

• Resistive range of motion is the addition of external weight to the body part as it moves through the available range of motion. The goal of resistive exercise is to increase strength of muscles. After injury, very light weight of around 1 to 2 lbs. is used initially for these exercises. When three sets of 10 repetitions can be performed, the resistance can be increased in 1-lb. increments.