When passive range of motion is applied, the joint of an individual receiving exercise is completely relaxed while the outside force moves the body part, such as a leg or arm, throughout the available range. Passive Range of Motion: Movement applied to a joint solely by another person or persons or a passive motion machine.There are three types of range of motion exercises This motion is influenced by several structures: configuration of bone surfaces within the joint, joint capsule, ligaments, tendons, and muscles acting on the joint. Range of motion exercise refers to activity aimed at improving movement of a specific joint. Tape measures can also be used to measure range of motion in some specific parts of the body (lumbar range of motion). The long arm goniometers are more accurate for joints with long levers like the knee and hip joints.The short arm goniometer is used for smaller joints like the wrist, elbow, or ankle,.Of all the types, a universal goniometer is most widely used and comes in two forms: short arm and long arm. Both use a stationary arm, protractor, fulcrum, and movement arm to measure angle from axis of the joint). Measuring Range of Motion ĭevices to measure range of motion in the joints of the body include the Goniometer (image 2) and Inclinometer (image 3). Range of motion therapy is beneficial in healing and in recovery from soft tissue and joint lesions, maintaining existing joint and soft tissue mobility, minimizing the effects of contracture formation, assisting neuromuscular reeducation, and enhancing synovial movement. Active range of motion is usually less than passive range of motion. For example, the active range of motion to allow the elbow to bend requires the biceps to contract while the triceps muscle relaxes. Active range of motion is the range of motion that can be achieved when opposing muscles contract and relax, resulting in joint movement.Passive range of motion can be defined as the range of motion that is achieved when an outside force (such as a therapist) causes movement of a joint and is usually the maximum range of motion that a joint can move.
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Range of motion of a joint can be passive or active. Range of motion is the capability of a joint to go through its complete spectrum of movements.