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
Knee Range of Motion
FREE SAMPLELearn when and why to use active, passive and resisted range of motion during a practical knee 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.
KNEE MOVEMENTS
Knee movements to assess
Flexion
ACTIVE:
Ask the client to bend the knee, bringing the heel toward the buttock.
PASSIVE:
Support the leg and gently move the knee into flexion.
RESISTED:
Client attempts knee flexion while resistance is applied against the lower leg.
Extension
ACTIVE:
Ask the client to straighten the knee.
PASSIVE:
Support the leg and gently move the knee into extension.
RESISTED:
Client attempts knee extension while resistance is applied against the lower leg.
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.
Lachman Test
ACL
Anterior Drawer Test
ACL
Posterior Drawer Test
PCL
McMurray Test
Meniscus
QUICK REVIEW
Quick Review
History→Observation→Active ROM→Passive ROM→Resisted ROM→Special Tests→Treatment Planning
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Test Yourself
1. Which knee movement brings the heel toward the buttock?
2. Which knee movement straightens the leg?
3. Which orthopaedic test is commonly used to assess the ACL?
4. Which orthopaedic test is commonly used to assess the meniscus?
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.
CONTINUE LEARNING
Continue learning
Use the Anatomy App to review muscles, actions, nerves, trigger points and quizzes.