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
Toe Range of Motion
FREE SAMPLELearn when and why to use active, passive and resisted range of motion during a practical toe 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.
TOE MOVEMENTS
Toe movements to assess
Toe Flexion
ACTIVE:
Ask the client to curl the toes downward.
PASSIVE:
Support the foot and gently move the toes into flexion.
RESISTED:
Client attempts toe flexion while resistance is applied against the plantar surface of the toes.
Toe Extension
ACTIVE:
Ask the client to lift the toes upward.
PASSIVE:
Support the foot and gently move the toes into extension.
RESISTED:
Client attempts toe extension while resistance is applied against the dorsal surface of the toes.
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 or tendon may be contributing to the client’s symptoms.
MTP Joint
Check for local tenderness, swelling and painful movement.
Toe Flexors
Assess pain or weakness with resisted toe flexion.
Toe Extensors
Assess pain or weakness with resisted toe extension.
Great Toe MTP Joint
Assess mobility and pain during great toe flexion and extension.
QUICK REVIEW
Quick Review
History→Observation→Active ROM→Passive ROM→Resisted ROM→Focused Assessment→Treatment Planning
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Test Yourself
1. Which movement curls the toes downward?
2. Which movement lifts the toes upward?
3. Pain during resisted toe flexion may suggest involvement of:
4. When assessing the great toe, which joint is commonly checked for mobility and pain?
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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