What is it called when a patient moves their own limb?

When a patient moves their own limb, it is referred to as Active Range of Motion (AROM). This term describes the ability of a person to voluntarily move a joint through its available range of motion without any assistance. During AROM, the muscles and joints are actively engaged, and the movement originates from the voluntary contraction of the muscles surrounding the joint.

This is in contrast to other forms of joint movement, such as Passive Range of Motion (PROM), where an external force moves the limb without the patient’s muscles being activated, or Assisted ROM, where a caregiver helps the patient move their limb. Understanding AROM is crucial in rehabilitation as it plays a significant role in maintaining joint health, promoting muscle strength, and facilitating recovery after injury or surgery.