Who performs passive ROM exercises?

Passive range of motion (ROM) exercises are designed to maintain joint flexibility and prevent stiffness in individuals who are unable to move their joints actively due to various reasons, such as injury, illness, or post-surgical recovery. In these exercises, the movement is performed by another person, often a physical therapist or caregiver, rather than the individual themselves.

The rationale is that the person receiving passive ROM does not actively participate in the movement to complete the exercises; instead, the practitioner moves the limbs through the full range of motion. This can help sustain joint health and improve circulation without requiring effort from the individual.

In contrast, active participation in ROM exercises by the individual themselves, or with some assistance, involves a different approach where the muscle groups are engaged. The option involving the use of a trapeze also implies that the individual is exerting some effort, which does not align with the definition of passive exercises. Thus, the person not moving the joints on their own, but being assisted by someone else, precisely defines who performs passive ROM exercises.