PROM is movement done completely by external force.

• A. Movement done completely by external force
• B. PROM - Passive Range of Motion exercises
• C. AAROM - Active-Assisted ROM
• D. AROM - Active ROM

Answer: (A)

PROM involves moving a joint through its available range entirely by an external force, with the patient’s muscles remaining relaxed and not actively contracting. This approach is used when the patient cannot move the joint on their own due to healing, pain, weakness, or neurological impairment, and it helps maintain joint mobility, prevent contractures, and promote normal joint lubrication and circulation.

In contrast, active-assisted ROM is when the patient initiates the movement but receives some help from another person or device to complete the range, while active ROM is performed entirely by the patient without external assistance. The key point is that PROM relies on an external source to move the joint, not on the patient’s own muscle effort.