AROM is defined as a patient moving the limb using their own muscle power.

• A. Patient moves limb using their own muscle power
• B. Movement done completely by external force
• C. Combination of patient effort + external help
• D. Inability to activate muscles

Answer: (A)

Active range of motion involves moving a joint using the patient’s own muscle power, without help from another person or device. This means the person actively contracts their muscles to move the limb through its available range. It’s distinct from movements produced entirely by external force, which is passive range of motion, where someone else moves the limb for the patient. It’s also different from active-assisted range of motion, where the patient initiates movement but external help provides some of the motion. If a person cannot activate their muscles at all, active movement isn’t possible and ROM would rely on passive methods or assistance. So the statement describes active ROM exactly: the patient moves the limb with their own muscle power.