Which statement about ROM and function is true?

• A. ROM impairments can include stiffness and joint pain in arthritis.
• B. ROM improvements always occur with rest.
• C. ROM is determined solely by age.
• D. ROM is irrelevant to functional tasks.

Answer: (A)

Range of motion is how far a joint can move in a given direction, and it directly affects what you can do with your body. When ROM is limited, everyday tasks like reaching, bending, or gripping become harder because the joint can’t move through the motions those activities require. In arthritis, joint surfaces wear down, swelling increases, and surrounding muscles may tighten or guard against pain. All of this can make the joint stiff and painful, which reduces ROM. So it’s true that ROM impairments can include stiffness and joint pain in arthritis, because the disease process itself creates both movement restriction and discomfort.

Rest does not guarantee ROM improvements. While rest can relieve pain temporarily, restoring or preserving motion usually needs some movement, targeted stretching, or physical therapy to counteract stiffness and maintain tissue flexibility. ROM is not determined solely by age—aging can contribute to changes in tissue elasticity, but activity level, injury, disease, and other factors play large roles. Finally, ROM is important for functional tasks; limited motion can hinder daily activities such as reaching for objects, dressing, or navigating stairs.