Performing Passive ROM Exercises/Steps

1. Wash hands

2. Explain the procedure to the client

3. Adjust the bed to a comfortable height. Select one side of the bed to begin PROM exercises.

4. Uncover only the limb to be exercised.

5. Support all joints during exercise activity.

6. Use slow, gentle movements when performing exercises. Repeat each exercise three times. Stop if the client complains of pain or discomfort.

7. Begin exercise with the client’s neck and work down ward.

8. Flex, extend and rotate the client’s neck. Support his or her head with your hands.

9. Exercise the client’s shoulder and elbow
a. Support the client’s elbow with one hand and grasp the client’s wrist with your other hand.
b. Raise the client’s arm from the side to above the head.
c. Perform internal rotation by moving the client’s arm across his or her chest.
d. Externally rotate the client’s shoulder by moving the arm away from the client.
e. Flex and extend the client’s elbow.

10. Perform all exercises on the client’s wrist and fingers
a. Flex and extend the wrist.
b. Abduct and adduct the wrist.
c. Rotate and pronate the wrist.
d. Flex and extend the client’s fingers.
e. Abduct and aduct the fingers.
f. Rotate the thumb.

11. Exercise the client’s hip and leg.
a. Flex and extend the hip and knee while supporting the leg.
b. Abduct and adduct the hip by moving the client’s straightened leg toward you and then back to median position.
c. Perform internal and external rotation of the hip joint by turning the leg inward and then outward.

12. Perform exercises on ankle and foot
a. Dorsiflex and plantar flex the foot
b. Abduct and adduct the toes
c. Evert and invert the foot

13. Move to the other side of the bed and repeat exercise.

14. Position and cover the client. Return the bed to low position.

15. Wash your hands.

16. Document completion of PROM exercise.