Which statement correctly distinguishes active ROM from passive ROM?

• A. Active ROM is performed by the caregiver; passive ROM by the resident.
• B. Active ROM is performed by the resident without assistance; passive ROM is performed by the caregiver.
• C. Both are performed without supervision.
• D. Active ROM uses equipment; passive ROM does not.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is who actually moves the joint during range-of-motion exercises. Active range of motion means the resident uses their own muscles to move the joint through its full range, with no help from a caregiver. Passive range of motion means the caregiver moves the joint through its range while the resident remains relaxed and uses no muscle effort.

This distinction matters because active ROM helps maintain or improve muscle strength and control, while passive ROM helps keep the joint flexible and prevent stiffness when the resident can’t move it themselves. For example, if someone can bend their elbow on their own, that’s active ROM; if someone cannot move the elbow, a caregiver would move it slowly through its range—that’s passive ROM.

The wording that says the caregiver performs active ROM or that both are done without supervision isn’t correct, and active ROM using equipment isn’t the defining idea.