I reminded recently while teaching for a local DPT program the importance of assessing passive motion of affected joints as many students were asking why it is necessary to assess PROM after AROM. My quick and dirty response was in order to differentiate between a stability or mobility issue. Let me explain further using the SFMA as a reference. The importance of this concept is inherently build into the SFMA assessment tool. This is the genius of their system. Differences in passive versus active motion can inform the treating therapist as the whether they are dealing with stability/motor control deficit(SMCD) or a joint mobility deficit(JMD). This determination is important so that the appropriate treatment strategies can be applied at the correct time. Let's look at multi-segmental extension(MSE) as an example. When assessing MSE and we find a dysfunctional pattern our assessment should continue on to assess the press-up after ruling out any UE issues contributing to the motion loss. The press-up allows us to compare the standing extension versus an unloaded and passive version of the motion. There can be too possible findings by completing this test. If we find increased ROM compared to MSE than we have a spinal extension SMCD that needs to be treated with corrective exercises focused on retraining stability. If we find comprable motion to the MSE then it tells us there is likely a JMD of the spine. Further testing of more specific spinal region will be performed at this time in order to hone in on the specific area of limitation.
The moral of the story is don't forget to assess PROM as we are unable to differentiate mobility issues and stability issues without it. Without knowing what we are dealing with how can we prescribe the correct exercise. We all know what happens when we assume
The moral of the story is don't forget to assess PROM as we are unable to differentiate mobility issues and stability issues without it. Without knowing what we are dealing with how can we prescribe the correct exercise. We all know what happens when we assume
