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
Hand & Finger Range of Motion
FREE SAMPLELearn when and why to use active, passive and resisted range of motion during a practical hand and finger 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.
HAND / FINGER MOVEMENTS
Hand and finger movements to assess
Finger Flexion
ACTIVE:
Ask the client to bend the fingers into a comfortable fist.
PASSIVE:
Support the hand and gently move the fingers into flexion.
RESISTED:
Client attempts finger flexion while resistance is applied against the fingers.
Finger Extension
ACTIVE:
Ask the client to straighten the fingers.
PASSIVE:
Support the hand and gently move the fingers into extension.
RESISTED:
Client attempts finger extension while resistance is applied against the dorsal surface of the fingers.
Finger Abduction
ACTIVE:
Ask the client to spread the fingers apart.
PASSIVE:
Gently move the fingers away from each other.
RESISTED:
Client attempts finger abduction while resistance is applied against the sides of the fingers.
Finger Adduction
ACTIVE:
Ask the client to bring the fingers back together.
PASSIVE:
Gently move the fingers toward each other.
RESISTED:
Client attempts finger adduction while resistance is applied between the fingers.
Thumb Opposition
ACTIVE:
Ask the client to move the thumb across the palm toward the little finger.
PASSIVE:
Support the thumb and gently guide it into opposition.
RESISTED:
Client attempts thumb opposition while gentle resistance is applied against the thumb.
ASSESSMENT FLOW
A simple assessment sequence
Observe→Active ROM→Passive ROM→Resisted ROM→Compare sides→Focused Assessment
Use findings from the history, observation and ROM testing together rather than relying on a single test.
FOCUSED ASSESSMENT
When should you use focused assessment?
Use focused assessment when the history and ROM findings suggest that a specific joint, muscle group or tendon may be contributing to symptoms or weakness.
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 REVIEW
Quick Review
History→Observation→Active ROM→Passive ROM→Resisted ROM→Focused Assessment→Treatment Planning
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Test Yourself
1. Which finger movement closes the fingers into a fist?
2. Which movement spreads the fingers apart?
3. Which thumb movement brings the thumb across the palm toward the little finger?
4. Pain during resisted finger extension may suggest involvement of:
Hand and finger ROM findings should be interpreted together with the client’s history, symptoms and other assessment findings. Take particular care with recent trauma, marked swelling, deformity, neurological symptoms or significant weakness. This guide is for educational revision and is not a substitute for diagnosis or professional clinical judgement.
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