ROM Assessment Guide

Hand / Finger ROM

Learn how to assess hand and finger movement using Active, Passive and Resisted ROM.

Movement Selector

Selected Movement

Finger Flexion

Active ROM

Ask the client to bend the fingers into a comfortable fist.

Passive ROM

Support the hand and gently move the fingers into flexion.

Resisted ROM

Client attempts finger flexion while resistance is applied against the fingers.

What to Observe

Pain
Range restriction
Compensation
Difference between sides

Assessment Flow

Observe→Active ROM→Passive ROM→Resisted ROM→Compare sides→Focused Assessment

Focused Assessment

Grip / Finger Flexors

Observe grip function and assess pain or weakness during resisted finger flexion.

Finger Extensors

Assess pain or weakness during resisted finger extension.

Thumb Opposition

Assess the ability to move the thumb across the palm toward the little finger.

Finger Joints

Observe for local tenderness, swelling, stiffness or painful movement around the finger joints.

Quick Check

1. Which finger movement closes the fingers into a fist?

2. Which movement spreads the fingers apart?

For educational revision only. ROM and orthopaedic test findings should be interpreted together with the client’s history, symptoms and other assessment findings.