Range of motion (or ROM), is the linear or angular distance that a moving object may normally travel while properly attached to another. It is also called range of travel (or ROT), particularly when talking about mechanical devices and in
mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering is the study of physical machines that may involve force and movement. It is an engineering branch that combines engineering physics and mathematics principles with materials science, to design, analyze, manufacture, ...
fields. For example, a sound volume control knob.
As used in the
biomedical field and by
weightlifters
Olympic weightlifting, or Olympic-style weightlifting (officially named Weightlifting), is a sport in which athletes compete in lifting a barbell loaded with weight plates from the ground to overhead, with each athlete trying to successfully li ...
, range of motion refers to the distance and direction a
joint can move between the flexed position and the extended position. The act of attempting to increase this distance through therapeutic exercises (range of motion therapy—
stretching from flexion to extension for
physiological
Physiology (; ) is the scientific study of functions and mechanisms in a living system. As a sub-discipline of biology, physiology focuses on how organisms, organ systems, individual organs, cells, and biomolecules carry out the chemica ...
gain) is also sometimes called range of motion.
Measuring range of motion
Each specific joint has a normal range of motion that is expressed in degrees. The reference values for the normal ROM in individuals differ slightly depending on age and gender. For example, as an individual ages, they typically lose a small amount of ROM.
Analog and traditional devices to measure range of motion in the joints of the body include the
goniometer
A goniometer is an instrument that either measures an angle or allows an object to be rotated to a precise angular position. The term goniometry derives from two Greek words, γωνία (''gōnía'') 'angle' and μέτρον (''métron'') ' m ...
and
inclinometer
An inclinometer or clinometer is an instrument used for measuring angles of slope, elevation, or depression of an object with respect to gravity's direction. It is also known as a ''tilt indicator'', ''tilt sensor'', ''tilt meter'', ''slope ...
which use a stationary arm, protractor, fulcrum, and movement arm to measure angle from axis of the joint. As measurement results will vary by the degree of resistance, two levels of range of motion results are recorded in most cases.
Recent technological advances in 3D
motion capture
Motion capture (sometimes referred as mo-cap or mocap, for short) is the process of recording the movement of objects or people. It is used in military, entertainment, sports, medical applications, and for validation of computer vision and robo ...
technology allow for the measurement of joints concurrently, which can be used to measure a patient's active range of motion.
Limited range of motion
Limited range of motion refers to a joint that has a reduction in its ability to move. The reduced motion may be a problem with the specific joint or it may be caused by injury or diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other types of arthritis. Pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with arthritis can limit the range of motion of a particular joint and impair function and the ability to perform usual daily activities.
Limited range of motion can affect extension or flexion. If there is limited range of extension, it is called "flexion contracture" or "flexion deformity". If the flexion is deficient, it is called "limited range of flexion" or "limited flexion range".
Range of motion exercises
Physical
Physical may refer to:
* Physical examination, a regular overall check-up with a doctor
* ''Physical'' (Olivia Newton-John album), 1981
** "Physical" (Olivia Newton-John song)
* ''Physical'' (Gabe Gurnsey album)
* "Physical" (Alcazar song) (2004)
* ...
and
occupational therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is a global healthcare profession. It involves the use of assessment and intervention to develop, recover, or maintain the meaningful activities, or ''occupations'', of individuals, groups, or communities. The field of ...
can help to improve joint function by focusing on range of motion exercises. The goal of these exercises is to gently increase range of motion while decreasing pain, swelling, and stiffness. There are three types of range of motion exercises:
* Passive range of motion (or PROM) – Therapist or equipment moves the joint through the range of motion with no effort from the patient.
* Active assisted range of motion (or AAROM) – Patient uses the muscles surrounding the joint to perform the exercise but requires some help from the therapist or equipment (such as a strap).
* Active range of motion (or AROM) – Patient performs the exercise to move the joint without any assistance to the muscles surrounding the joint.
See also
*
Joint locking (symptom)
*
Hypermobility
References
A Goniometer is used to measure range of motion of the joints of the body and its parts. It uses a stationary arm, fulcrum, and movement arm to measure joint angles from the axis of the joint. Of all the types, a universal goniometer is most widely used and comes in two forms: short arm and long arm.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Range Of Motion
Mechanical engineering
Massage therapy