What is AROM?

AROM, or Active Range of Motion, is the amount of movement possible at a joint when you actively use your muscles to move it. It's the range of motion you can achieve on your own, without any external assistance.

In other words, AROM describes how far you can move a body part using your own muscle power. This contrasts with Passive Range of Motion (PROM), where someone or something else moves the body part for you.

How AROM Works:

• Muscle Contraction and Relaxation: AROM relies on the coordinated contraction of agonist muscles (the muscles primarily responsible for the movement) and the relaxation of antagonist muscles (muscles that oppose the movement).
• Joint Movement: This orchestrated muscle activity results in movement at the joint.
• Example: Bending your elbow is an example of AROM. The biceps muscle contracts to flex the elbow, while the triceps muscle relaxes to allow the movement to occur.

Why AROM is Important:

• Assessing Muscle Function: AROM helps healthcare professionals evaluate the strength and coordination of your muscles. Limitations in AROM can indicate muscle weakness, pain, stiffness, or neurological problems.
• Rehabilitation: AROM exercises are crucial in rehabilitation programs to improve joint mobility, muscle strength, and coordination after injury or surgery.
• Daily Activities: AROM is essential for performing everyday tasks like reaching, walking, and dressing.

Differences Between AROM and PROM (Passive Range of Motion):

Feature	Active Range of Motion (AROM)	Passive Range of Motion (PROM)
Muscle Involvement	Patient actively moves joint.	External force moves joint.
Effort Required	Requires patient effort.	Requires no patient effort.
Information Gained	Muscle strength, coordination.	Joint integrity, flexibility.

In summary, Active Range of Motion (AROM) is the range of movement achieved by a patient actively using their muscles to move a joint. It's an important indicator of muscle function and plays a vital role in rehabilitation and daily activities.