What Is Passive Range of Motion?

Passive range of motion (PROM) is used in therapy for individuals who are unable to exercise on their own. With the assistance of a health care professional or assistant, an individual may improve her joint and muscle health with gentle stretching exercises referred to as PROM. These exercises are designed to gently move joints with support.

Facts

• Physical inactivity may cause muscle and joint deterioration. It is necessary to exercise to have a healthy body. Due to an illness or injury, an individual may become incapacitated to one degree or another. And to receive the benefit of exercise, passive range of motion may be performed to assist those who aren't able to exercise on their own.

Function

• PROM exercises promote necessary daily movement and prevent deterioration of joints and muscles. This type of exercise is done with the help of another person, who may be a nurse, physical therapist or assistant who has been trained by a professional in the correct technique for an individual's therapy.

Types

• PROM requires a second person to gently exercise the head, arms, hands, legs and feet of an individual who is unable to exercise on his own. The assistant starts at the head and carefully works down the body, gently and smoothly moving all the joints, while supporting the limbs. It's important not to jerk the limbs---this may harm the individual.

  In contrast, active range of motion exercises are for people who are capable of exercising on their own, but still receive instruction and encouragement from a health professional or assistant.

Technique

• The following is an example of a passive range of motion shoulder exercise: If the individual is lying in a bed, adjust the bed height so you don't have to stretch too far to reach her. Make sure she is lying flat on the bed, face-up. Place your hand on her elbow to support the joint, and place your other hand on her wrist. Gently extend her arm out and upwards, so the upper arm is aligned with the side of the head. Slowly move the arm straight down again to the side of the body.

Considerations/Warnings

• If PROM exercises are causing pain to the recipient, stop immediately. Do not continue. It's important to consult with a physician before performing PROM exercises. A health care provider may demonstrate the correct method for PROM exercises to ensure safety and correct usage.

Benefits

• Passive range of motion exercises help protect muscles from atrophy (muscle decrease) and assist with circulation. PROM also reduces pain and assists with healing as well as increasing flexibility of joints and overall health.