Range of motion (ROM) exercises are ones in

which a nurse or patient move each joint

through as full a range as is possible without
causing pain.

Promote and maintain joint mobility

Prevent contractures and shortening of
muscles and tendons
Increase circulation to extremities
Decrease vascular complications of
immobility
Enhance rehabilitation
Facilitate comfort for the patient

Active range of Motion when the patient

can perform the exercises alone.

Passive Range of Motion patients cannot

do for themselves and are performed by
nurse or physical therapist.

Active-Assisted exercises performed by

the patient with some assistance

Flexion -movement that decreases the angle of

the joint and brings two bones closer together
Extension ; movement that increases the angle
of the joint or distance between two bones or
parts of the body
Hyperextension- extension greater than 180
degrees
Rotation - movement of a bone around its
longitudinal axis
Abduction - moving a limb away from the body,
spreading the fingers apart
Adduction - movement of a limb toward the
body midline

Circumduction - a combination of all the

movements, commonly seen in ball and socket
joints where the proximal end of the limb is
stationary while the distal end moves in a circle

Dorsiflexion - lifting the foot so the superior

surface approaches the shin, standing on the
heels
Plantar flexion- pointing the toes
Inversion - turning the sole of the foot medially
Eversion turning the sole of the foot laterally
Supination - forearm rotation laterally so that
the palm is facing anteriorly and the radius and
ulna are parallel
Pronation - forearm rotation medially so that
the palm faces posteriorly and the ulna and
radius are crossed
Opposition - touching the thumb to other fingers

Plantar flexion

1.
2.
3.

Be aware of the patients medical condition

Familiarize yourself with the patients current
ROM
Assess the patients ability to participate in
the ROM exercises

1.

Frequency of providing ROM depends on the

patients condition, but once a shift is usually
the minimum.

2.

Because warm water relaxes the muscles and

joints, bathing is an ideal time to perform ROM

3.

Raise the bed to a height that keeps you from

having to bend at the waist as you work. Lower
when finished.

4.

While ROM is being performed, the patient

is usually placed in the supine position

5.

During ROM, be sure to support the distal

and proximal end of the limbs

6.

Try to work on one joint at a time with

about 5 repetitive actions per joint.

Start gradually and move slowly using smooth

and rhythmic movements appropriate for the
patients condition.

Stretch the muscles and keep the joint flexible.

Move each joint until there is resistance, but

never force a joint to the point of pain.

Keep friction at a minimum to avoid injuring

the skin.

Return the joint to its neutral position.

Use passive exercises as required, however,

encourage active exercises when the patient is
able to do so.