What is the difference between active ROM and passive ROM?

• A. Active ROM requires equipment
• B. Passive ROM is performed by the patient
• C. Active ROM is performed by the patient; passive ROM is performed by someone else
• D. Active ROM is never used in rehabilitation

Answer: (C)

The difference is about who moves the joint and whether the muscles actively contract. Active ROM means the patient uses their own muscles to move the joint through its range. Passive ROM means someone else—like a clinician or a machine—moves the joint through its range while the patient does not actively contract their muscles.

Active ROM is useful for checking and building strength and neuromuscular control, and it can be done as long as movement is tolerated. Passive ROM is used when the patient can’t move the joint themselves due to weakness, injury, or immobilization, to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness. It doesn’t build strength because there’s no active muscle contraction by the patient.

That’s why the correct statement is that active ROM is performed by the patient and passive ROM is performed by someone else.