Active ROM
Client moves the joint independently.
Use it to observe:
- available movement
- pain during movement
- movement quality
- willingness to move
Clinical clue: Pain during Active ROM may involve contractile or non-contractile structures.
FREE ROM GUIDE
Ankle Range of Motion
FREE SAMPLELearn when and why to use active, passive and resisted range of motion during a practical ankle assessment.
ROM TESTING OVERVIEW
Active, Passive & Resisted ROM
Passive ROM
Therapist moves the relaxed joint.
Use it to assess:
- available range
- end feel
- pain with passive movement
- joint or non-contractile restriction
Clinical clue: Pain during Passive ROM may suggest involvement of joint, capsule, ligament or other non-contractile structures.
Resisted ROM
Client contracts against resistance without needing large joint movement.
Use it to assess:
- muscle or tendon pain
- strength
- contractile tissue involvement
Clinical clue: Painful resisted contraction may indicate involvement of the muscle-tendon unit being tested.
ANKLE MOVEMENTS
Ankle movements to assess
Dorsiflexion
ACTIVE:
Ask the client to bring the top of the foot toward the shin.
PASSIVE:
Support the foot and gently move the ankle into dorsiflexion.
RESISTED:
Client attempts dorsiflexion while resistance is applied over the top of the foot.
Plantarflexion
ACTIVE:
Ask the client to point the foot downward.
PASSIVE:
Support the foot and gently move the ankle into plantarflexion.
RESISTED:
Client attempts plantarflexion while resistance is applied against the sole of the forefoot.
Inversion
ACTIVE:
Ask the client to turn the sole of the foot inward.
PASSIVE:
Support the foot and gently move the ankle into inversion.
RESISTED:
Client attempts inversion while resistance is applied against the medial side of the foot.
Eversion
ACTIVE:
Ask the client to turn the sole of the foot outward.
PASSIVE:
Support the foot and gently move the ankle into eversion.
RESISTED:
Client attempts eversion while resistance is applied against the lateral side of the foot.
ASSESSMENT FLOW
A simple assessment sequence
Observe→Active ROM→Passive ROM→Resisted ROM→Compare sides→Special Tests
Use findings from the history, observation and ROM testing together rather than relying on a single test.
Special Tests
Special Tests
Use orthopaedic tests when the history and ROM findings suggest that a more specific structure or movement needs to be assessed.
Anterior Drawer Test
Lateral ankle ligaments
Talar Tilt Test
Calcaneofibular ligament
Thompson Test
Achilles tendon
Squeeze Test
Syndesmosis
QUICK REVIEW
Quick Review
History→Observation→Active ROM→Passive ROM→Resisted ROM→Special Tests→Treatment Planning
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Test Yourself
1. Which ankle movement brings the top of the foot toward the shin?
2. Which ankle movement turns the sole of the foot inward?
3. Pain during resisted ankle movement may suggest involvement of:
4. Which orthopaedic test is commonly used to assess the Achilles tendon?
ROM findings should be interpreted together with the client's history, symptoms and other assessment findings. This guide is for educational revision and is not a substitute for diagnosis or professional clinical judgement.
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