Stroke Training and Awareness Resources (STARs)

Left sided weakness

Glossary [PDF, 11KB]

Range of movement (ROM)

Assessing passive joint range of movement is important as many people (and particularly older patients) suffer stiffness and loss of joint range through previous injury or other musculoskeletal problems. This may have implications for the rehabilitation strategies which may be attempted.

Limbs should be handled carefully, slowly and only moved within normal anatomical range. Particular care must be taken when moving the limbs of patients who present with very low tone and with a lack of sensation. Generally it is not necessary to measure the exact ROM in all joints, but commonly an estimate of the extent of the lack of movement is made i.e. half or quarter range.

A diagram that shows limb exercises
The diagram demonstrates: extension and flexion as movements of the elbow; circumduction, adduction and abduction as movements of the upper arm; pronation and supination in rotation of the wrist; adduction and abduction in the spreading and closing of fingers; and lateral or medial rotation as movements of the lower leg.

Active movement/power

Describe the patterns of active i.e. voluntary movement available on the affected side. Some use the Oxford (MRC) Scale:

  • 0 No movement
  • 1 Flickers of movement
  • 2 Movement but only with gravity counterbalanced
  • 3 Movement against gravity
  • 4 Movement against resistance
  • 5 Normal movement

Wade, D.T. 1992. Measurement in neurological rehabilitation. Oxford University Press.

Page last reviewed: 01 Feb 2021