Passive Range Motion Exercises For The Elderly

While maintaining a certain amount of physical activity is advisable for most folks, exercise is often difficult for old people, and strenuous activity such as getting up and down stairs can be particularly challenging. In 2004, an article published in the "European Journal of Applied Physiology" found that when elderly people engaged in range of motion exercises, they found it easier to descend steps. But for some, exercising independently is just too difficult.

How It Works

Passive range motion allows elderly people to have their limbs and extremities moved by an outside source without engaging their muscles. This promotes healing and encourages joint movement while minimizing the risk of ligament damage. These gentle movements also stimulate the circulatory system and muscles, promoting healing through better blood flow and maintaining muscle memory.

Benefits

Apart from the obvious benefits of increased range of movement, augmented flexibility has also been linked to improved balance in the elderly. A 2010 article published in journal "Geriatric Rehabilitation" found that out of a group of 18 elderly subjects, those who tended to fall regularly had significantly lower range of motion in their hips, legs and ankles than those who did not fall often.

Passive Range Techniques

Speak to a physiotherapist or doctor before assisting someone to engage in any new passive range techniques, and ensure you fully understand them. Never force a movement past the point of pain or resistance. Aim to perform the exercises every day, doing each movement 10 times and holding for about 30 seconds.

Lower Extremities

To move the hip, ask your patient to lie on her back with legs outstretched. Cradle one foot beneath the heel and gently bend the leg at the knee. Point the knee toward the ceiling, maintaining a straight line with the foot and hold for a moment, then gently bend the knee so it lies at a 90-degree angle to the chest. Rock the foot forward and backward, and repeat with the other leg.

To promote ankle flexion, hold the ankle, placing the other hand on the foot. Gently rock the foot inward and outward. For movement in the toes, place one hand below the toes and use your other hand to gently move the toes back and forward.

Upper Extremities

For shoulder flexion and extension, ask your patient to sit comfortably. Hold his wrist with one hand and support the elbow joint with the other. Turn the palm inward and move the arm out above the patient's head. Hold for a moment and then repeat with the other side. For movement in the wrist, use one hand to hold the forearm above the patient's wrist and grasp the fingers with your other hand. Straighten the fingers out and bend the wrist back about 90 degrees, then bring it forward, coiling the fingers into a fist. For movement in the thumb, gently bend it toward the little finger, over the palm, and bring it back again.