PASSIVE RANGE OF MOTION EXERCISES
Definition:
It is exercise in which movement is performed by an external force in the
available pain free range of motion. The external force may be from the therapist,
family member, or the patient or equipment.
Passive ROM exercises are characterized by:
 No muscular activation by the patient

Performed within the available ROM

Applied by some external force
No pain

Importance of Passive ROM Exercises
Passive ROM exercises are very important if you have to stay in bed or in a
wheelchair. ROM exercises help keep joints and muscles as healthy as possible.
Without these exercises, blood flow and flexibility (moving and bending) of the
joints can decrease. Passive ROM exercises help keep joint areas flexible.
Indications
Passive exercises are indicated with the following conditions
1- when voluntary movements are impossible as when the subject is comatose,
or when paralysis of the part.
2- When Active movement may disrupt the healing process, as when there is
acute inflammation of the joint or the surrounding tissue.
3- When active movement is too painful to perform, as after surgery and injury
for 2 to 6 days according to the condition.
Aims of Passive ROM Exercise
Passive exercises are largely preventive in nature and are used to:
1- Maintain range of motion.
2- Maintain joint and connective tissue mobility.
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3- Minimizes the effects of and the formation of contractures.
4- Enhances synovial movement.
5- Maintain mechanical elasticity of muscles.
6- Assist circulation and vascular dynamics.
7- Help maintain the patient’s awareness of movement.
Points to remember
Passive ROM exercises will NOT
 Build up muscles or make them stronger.
 Prevent muscle atrophy
 Increase strength or endurance
 Assist in circulation to the extent that active, voluntary muscle contraction will
Application of Passive Exercises
Technical Principles
Before performing passive exercises, some of the technical principles should
be remembered
1- Place the patient in proper comfortable position with proper body alignment
and stabilization to perform the exercise.
2- The therapist should be in a proper position and effective stance
3- Free the region from restrictive closes, linen, splints, and dressings
4- Drape and cover the patient as necessary.
5- Utilize the proper hand holds or grasps by the therapist.
6- Perform the exercise slowly, smoothly with rhythm within the available
pain free range of motion without any force behind the range.
7- Do all ROM exercises smoothly and gently. Never force, jerk, or overstretch a muscle. This can hurt the muscle or joint instead of helping.
8- Stop ROM exercises if the person feels pain. The exercises should never
cause pain or go beyond the normal movement of that joint.
9- Repeat the exercise 5 to 10 repetitions according to the patient condition
and response
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