ASSISTING WITH RANGE OF
MOTION EXERCISES
ROM Exercises
− Movement of a joint through its full range in all
appropriate planes
Purpose:
− To maintain and increase muscle strength and tone.
Muscle length changes and joint
movements occur.
Types of ROM Exercises
ROM exercises – may be active, passive, or active
assisted
• Active ROM exercises – if the client is able to
perform the exercise independently
• Passive ROM exercises – if the exercises are performed
for the client by the caregiver • Active-assisted ROM
exercises – if the exercise are performed with some
assistance.
• ROM exercises – need to be encouraged if the client’s
health status allows.
Active and active-assisted ROM exercises help
to:
1. To restore or maintain strength of the muscles 2. To
maintain or increase the flexibility of the joints 3. To
maintain or promote the growth of bones
through application of physical stressors. 4. To
improve the functioning of other body systems,
such as the cardiovascular and
gastrointestinal systems.
5. To prevent contractures
Passive ROM Exercises help to:
1. Help to maintain joint function but do not result in
sufficient muscle tension to maintain muscle tone.
Definition of Terms
• Abduction – movement away from the midline of the
body
• Adduction – movement toward the midline of the
body
• Flexion – bending of a joint so that the angle of the
joint diminishes
• Extension – the return movement from flexion, the
joint angle is increased.
• Inversion – movement that turns the sole of the foot
inward
• Eversion – movement that turns the sole of the foot
outward
• Dorsiflexion – flexing or bending the foot toward the leg
• Plantar flexion – flexing or bending the foot toward
direction of the sole
• Pronation – rotating the forearm so that the palm of
the hand is down
• Supination – rotating the forearm so that the palm of
the hand is up
• Rotation – turning or movement of a part around its axis.
a. Internal – turning inward toward the center b.
External – turning outward, away from the center.
Physiologic Effects of Exercise on Different
Systems
1. Musculoskeletal System
a. Maintains muscle strength
b. Maintains joint flexibility
c. Maintains endurance/tolerance to continue an
activity
d. Increases mineral content of bones
2. Neurosensory System
a. Maintains coordination
b. Maintains orientation to environment 3.
Circulatory System
a. Maintains a more constant average workload on
heart
b. Maintains normal blood pressure regulatory
adjustment to transient position changes c. Promotes
venous return through contraction of muscles
d. Contributes to improved cardiovascular health;
lowers total cholesterol levels, with increased
high density and decreased low density
lipoprotein values.
4. Respiratory System
a. Contributes to ease breathing
b. Provides stimulus to deep breathing and
aeration of alveoli
c. Provides movement of secretions
5. Gastrointestinal System
a. Maintains elimination through muscle activity and
visceral reflexed patterns
This study source was downloaded by 100000833474324 from CourseHero.com on 12-12-2022 02:17:20 GMT -06:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/110566673/RLE-ROMpdf/

• Client’s range of joint motion remains within normal range

6. Urinary System
a. Promotes urine formation
b. Promotes complete emptying of bladder or maintains baseline range. • Client denies discomfort

during exercises. • Client or caregiver correctly demonstrates

ASSESSMENT ROM by discharge.
• Review client’s chart for physical assessment, findings,
physician orders, medical diagnosis, medical history and
IMPLEMENTATION (PROCEDURE) NECK
progress.

• Obtain data on client’s baseline joint function − Observe

client’s ability to perform ROM exercises during ADLs
\\
(activities of daily livings)
− Observe for limitations in joint mobility, redness or
warmth over joints, joint
tenderness, deformities, or crepitus produced by joint
motion.
− Determine client’s or caregiver’s readiness to learn.
Explain all rationales for the ROM exercises, and describe
and demonstrate exercises to be performed.
− Assess client’s level of comfort (on scale of 0 to 10) before
exercises.

PLANNING
• Expecting outcomes focus on maintaining joint ROM and
client’s physical and emotional ability to perform exercises.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES
SHOULDER
• Client performs ROM according to prescribed routine
This study source was downloaded by 100000833474324 from CourseHero.com on 12-12-2022 02:17:20 GMT -06:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/110566673/RLE-ROMpdf/

ELBOWS WRSIT
This study source was downloaded by 100000833474324 from CourseHero.com on 12-12-2022 02:17:20 GMT -06:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/110566673/RLE-ROMpdf/

HIPS EVALUATION
• Observe client performing ROM activities; measure ROM as
needed.

• Measure joint motion, measured in degrees (e.g. elbow

flexion/extension 150 degrees)

• Ask client to rate any discomfort on a scale of 0 to 10.

• Observe client/caregiver performing ROM exercises.

UNEXPECTED OUTCOMES AND RELATED

INTERVENTION

1. Client experiences discomfort with ROM exercises.

a. Stop exercises.
b. Reposition client to a comfortable position.
c. Consider premedicating client 30 minutes before
ROM exercises begin, if necessary.
2. New resistance in joint is encountered. a. Do not force
motion.
b. Consult with physical therapist or physician for necessary
exercise plan changes.
3. Client or caregiver cannot perform ROM exercises correctly.
a. Assess joint ROM, and note any limitation.

KNEES

ANKLE

This study source was downloaded by 100000833474324 from CourseHero.com on 12-12-2022 02:17:20 GMT -06:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/110566673/RLE-ROMpdf/

b. Demonstrate and observe return

demonstration of specific exercises to
client/caregiver.
 This study source was downloaded by 100000833474324 from CourseHero.com on 12-12-2022 02:17:20 GMT -06:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/110566673/RLE-ROMpdf/
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)