What term describes the range of motion performed by the athlete?

Active Range of Motion (ROM) refers to the range of motion an athlete can achieve voluntarily through muscle contractions. When an athlete moves a joint using their own muscle strength, they are demonstrating active ROM. This is particularly significant in sports medicine as it indicates the functional ability and strength of the muscles surrounding the joint, which is crucial for performance and injury prevention.

Active ROM is essential for assessing an athlete's readiness for activity, monitoring progress in rehabilitation, and determining any limitations that may need to be addressed. It emphasizes the athlete's control over their movements and their ability to perform tasks that require strength and coordination.

Static ROM, in contrast, involves a joint being held in a position without any movement, often used to assess flexibility. Passive ROM involves an external force to move the joint, such as a therapist moving the athlete's limb without their assistance. Dynamic ROM pertains to movements that occur in a coordinated manner during physical activity. Each of these terms describes different aspects of movement, but active ROM specifically focuses on the athlete's self-directed motion.