Which ROM type is performed when the resident actively moves their joints?

Which ROM type is performed when the resident actively moves their joints?

• A. Active Range of Motion
• B. Passive Range of Motion
• C. Assisted Range of Motion
• D. Independent Range of Motion

Answer: (A)

Active movement of joints through their full range using the resident’s own muscles defines active range of motion. This shows the resident initiates and controls the movement, which helps maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength and supports independence in movement. In this scenario, the movement is initiated by the resident themselves, not by a caregiver. Passive range of motion, by contrast, is when someone else moves the joint for the resident with no effort from them, and assisted range of motion is when the resident can move only part of the way and needs help to complete it. Independent range of motion is not the standard term used here, and in practice would overlap with active ROM since both imply not needing ongoing assistance.

Active movement of joints through their full range using the resident’s own muscles defines active range of motion. This shows the resident initiates and controls the movement, which helps maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength and supports independence in movement. In this scenario, the movement is initiated by the resident themselves, not by a caregiver. Passive range of motion, by contrast, is when someone else moves the joint for the resident with no effort from them, and assisted range of motion is when the resident can move only part of the way and needs help to complete it. Independent range of motion is not the standard term used here, and in practice would overlap with active ROM since both imply not needing ongoing assistance.