What type of range of motion is movement of a joint without any patient effort?

Passive range of motion refers to the movement of a joint without any effort from the patient. In this type of range of motion, an external force, such as a healthcare provider or equipment, helps to move the patient's joint through its available range. This is particularly beneficial for patients who may lack strength, coordination, or the ability to move independently due to injury, surgery, or certain medical conditions.

This type of motion is often used in physical therapy and rehabilitation to maintain joint function, prevent stiffness, and promote circulation when a patient is unable to perform active movements. By using passive range of motion, clinicians can assess the joint's integrity, flexibility, and any limitations in movement, providing valuable insight into the patient's condition.

In contrast, active range of motion requires the patient to exert their own muscle strength to move a joint, resistive range of motion involves the application of resistance to assess strength, and functional range of motion relates to the ability to perform daily activities that require movement. These distinctions are important for understanding different therapeutic approaches in patient care.