The term "Passive Range of Motion" refers to the amount of movement that a joint can achieve without any active muscle contraction. The spelling of this term can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈpæsɪv reɪndʒ əv ˈmoʊʃən/. The "a" sound in passive and the "e" sound in range are pronounced as short vowels, while the "o" sound in motion is long. Additionally, the stress falls on the first syllable in passive, the second syllable in range, and the first syllable in motion.
Passive Range of Motion (PROM) refers to the movement of a joint or series of joints performed by an external force, such as another person, without any voluntary muscle contraction by the individual being moved.
In medicine and physical therapy, passive range of motion exercises are commonly employed to maintain joint mobility, prevent muscle stiffness, and enhance joint function. These exercises are performed to replicate the normal movement that an individual would actively perform if they had the ability or capacity to do so.
During passive range of motion exercises, the individual typically assumes a relaxed position while another person gently moves their limbs or joints through various planes of motion. The external force provides the necessary strength and control to perform the movements without any active engagement from the patient.
Passive range of motion exercises are frequently utilized in cases where individuals are unable to move their limbs or joints due to physical limitations or neuromuscular impairments. These exercises can be beneficial for patients recovering from surgery, coping with paralysis, or suffering from conditions that restrict their mobility.
In conclusion, passive range of motion is the movement of joints or limbs by an external force without any voluntary muscle contraction from the patient. It is commonly used in medicine and physical therapy to preserve joint mobility and enhance joint function when an individual is unable to move their limbs or joints on their own.