Range of motion facts for kids

Range of motion (or ROM) is a way to measure how far a joint or muscle group can move. Think of it as the full distance your body parts can travel from being completely straight to fully bent. It shows how flexible and mobile your joints are.

What is Range of Motion?

Range of motion, often called ROM, is the measurement of how much movement a joint has. For example, your elbow can bend and straighten. The distance it moves from straight to fully bent is its range of motion. Every joint in your body, like your knees, shoulders, and neck, has its own ROM.

Why is ROM Important?

Having a good range of motion is super important for many reasons. It helps you do everyday things easily, like reaching for something high or tying your shoes. For athletes, good ROM can improve performance in sports like gymnastics or swimming. It also helps prevent injuries by making your muscles and joints more flexible and less likely to get hurt during activities.

Types of Range of Motion

There are different ways to describe how a joint moves:

• Active ROM: This is how far you can move a joint all by yourself, using your own muscles. For example, lifting your arm above your head without any help.
• Passive ROM: This is how far a joint can be moved by someone else, like a doctor or a physical therapist. They might gently move your arm or leg to see its full range, even if you can't do it yourself.
• Active-Assistive ROM: This is when you move a joint as much as you can, and then someone helps you move it a little further. It's a mix of active and passive movement.

How is ROM Measured?

Doctors, physical therapists, and trainers often measure ROM using a tool called a Goniometer. It looks a bit like a protractor with two arms. They place it on the joint and measure the angles as you move. This helps them see if your joints are moving as they should or if there's a problem.

Improving Your Range of Motion

You can often improve your range of motion with regular exercise and stretching.

• Stretching: Doing stretches helps make your muscles longer and more flexible. This allows your joints to move through a bigger range.
• Exercise: Activities like yoga, Pilates, or even just regular movement can help keep your joints healthy and improve their ROM.
• Warm-up: Always warm up your muscles before stretching or exercising. This prepares them for movement and helps prevent injuries.

If you ever feel like a joint isn't moving right or you have pain, it's a good idea to talk to a trusted adult or a doctor. They can help you understand what's going on and how to improve your ROM safely.

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In Spanish: Amplitud de movimiento articular para niños