Difference Between Passive Range of Motion and Active Range of Motion

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Understanding the differences between passive and active range of motion is fundamental in designing effective rehabilitation programs. While PROM helps maintain joint flexibility and prevent complications in the absence of active movement, AROM is crucial for restoring muscle strength and functional capacity. Both types of motion play complementary roles in the recovery process, and their appropriate application can significantly enhance patient outcomes.

Passive Range of Motion (PROM): Passive range of motion refers to the movement of a joint through its range of motion by an external force, such as a therapist or a mechanical device, without any effort from the individual. This type of motion is often used in rehabilitation settings to maintain joint flexibility and prevent stiffness when the patient is unable to move the joint actively1 2 6.

Active Range of Motion (AROM): Active range of motion involves the individual moving the joint through its range of motion using their own muscle strength. This type of motion is crucial for assessing the functional capacity of the muscles and joints and is often a focus in physical therapy to improve strength and coordination1 2 4.

Key Differences

Effort and Control:

• PROM: Movement is controlled by an external force, requiring no effort from the individual. This is beneficial for patients who are unable to move a joint due to injury, surgery, or severe weakness1 6.
• AROM: Movement is controlled by the individual’s own muscles, requiring effort and coordination. This type of motion is essential for functional activities and muscle strengthening2 4.

Clinical Applications:

• PROM: Often used in early rehabilitation stages to maintain joint flexibility, prevent contractures, and reduce pain without stressing the muscles6 8. For example, continuous passive motion (CPM) devices are used post-surgery to enhance recovery by maintaining joint movement6 7.
• AROM: Used to assess and improve muscle strength, coordination, and functional capacity. Active motion exercises are crucial in later stages of rehabilitation to restore normal movement patterns and enhance muscle performance2 4 5.

Measurement and Outcomes:

• PROM: Measurements are typically higher than AROM because the external force can move the joint beyond the active control of the muscles. Studies have shown that passive assessments often reveal greater ranges of motion compared to active assessments1 3.
• AROM: Measurements reflect the functional capacity of the muscles and are generally lower than PROM. Improvements in AROM are indicative of increased muscle strength and coordination2 4 5.

Research Findings

Comparative Studies:

• A study comparing active and passive end-range assessments in subjects with cervical range of motion asymmetries found that active end-range values were significantly lower than passive values, highlighting the influence of cortical control in active movements1.
• Research on zone-II flexor tendon repair demonstrated that patients undergoing active motion therapy had greater interphalangeal joint motion and higher satisfaction scores compared to those receiving passive motion therapy, indicating the benefits of active rehabilitation2.
• Another study investigating the effect of stretching duration on ROM found that longer stretching durations resulted in greater improvements in active ROM, but not necessarily in passive ROM, suggesting different mechanisms of flexibility enhancement3.

Clinical Implications:

• Both PROM and AROM are essential components of rehabilitation, each serving distinct purposes. PROM is crucial for maintaining joint health in the absence of active movement, while AROM is vital for restoring functional movement and muscle strength4 5 6.
• The choice between passive and active interventions depends on the stage of rehabilitation, the patient’s condition, and the specific therapeutic goals. For instance, early post-operative care may rely more on PROM to prevent stiffness, while later stages focus on AROM to regain functional independence6 7 8.

Disclaimer

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