Range of motion
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Range of motion or (ROM), as used in the medical and weightlifting communities, is the achievable distance between the flexed position and the extended position of a particular joint or muscle group, or more precisely, the measurement of that distance. Also, the act of attempting to increase this distance with therapeutic exercises (range of motion therapy -- stretching from flexion to extension for physiological gain) is sometimes called range of motion.
A person who uses a wheelchair would improve the range of motion in their spine, hips, knees & ankles by using a standing frame, if possible. It is necessary that the gain in joint range be accompanied by the gain in function of the muscles which control that particular range of motion.
[edit] Measuring range of motion
As measurement results will vary by the degree of resistance, two levels of range of motion results are recorded in most cases.
- Passive range of motion, where another person, such as a caregiver or therapist, moves the joint.
- Active (or manual) range of motion, where the individual moves the joint themselves.
