Range of motion, also known as ROM, exercises for the wheelchair-bound can include passive or active exercise, or a combination, depending on the mobility and function of the person in the wheelchair. Either form of exercise helps maintain muscle and joint health, and helps prevent atrophy or wasting away of muscle tissue as well as contraction of muscles that may result in deformities.
Active Range of Motion
Active range of motion is motion that the person in the wheelchair can do himself. For example, if you have function of your upper body, you can perform exercises by yourself. Range of motion exercises don't build muscle, but may help you increase flexibility, strength and endurance of your muscles that can help improve your ability to operate your wheelchair or transfer yourself from chair to bed or vice versa.
Passive Range of Motion
Passive range of motion exercises are performed by a caregiver or physical therapist for a person who can't move himself, or who is too weak to do so. Various joints in the body are exercised by carefully supporting above and below the joint being exercised. For example, when exercising an elbow joint, the physical therapist supports the arm above and below the elbow and then engages in rotation, extension or flexion exercises.
Shoulder Exercises
An active shoulder range of motion exercise can be performed by sliding the arm forward along the wheelchair arm rest or by holding a cane or yardstick in your hands placed shoulder length apart, elbows bent, forearms parallel to the floor. Without moving your upper body, move your hands to the right until your left hand is even with your right hip. Hold for several seconds and then shift your hands to the left until your right hand is even with your left hip.
A passive range of motion exercise for the shoulder can be accomplished with the physical therapist extending your right arm away from the body at shoulder height. Bracing above the elbow joint and gently grasping the wrist, she can turn your hand so that your thumb points down toward the floor, then manipulate your hand so that your thumb points toward the ceiling.
Ankle
Active ankle range of motion can be performed by extending and then flexing your ankle joint. You can also rotate your ankle, first in a clockwise direction, then a counterclockwise direction. This type of exercise can also be performed passively by a physical therapist who grasps the ball of the foot in one hand and braces the ankle joint by supporting the calf of the working leg with the other.
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