Introduction

It's important to understand what exercises you can do to help residents maintain ROM in the hip and knee. Read through the steps below before watching the demonstration video.

Procedure Steps
Demonstration Video
Google Doc

Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises for the Hip and Knee

Note: Includes abduction/adduction of the hip and flexion/extension of the hip and knee movements

1. Gather Supplies: None

2. Routine Pre-Procedure Steps:

- Knock on the client’s door.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Introduce yourself and identify the resident.
- Maintain respectful, courteous, and professional communication at all times.
- Provide for privacy.
- Explain the procedure to the client.

3. Procedure Steps:

- Raise the bed height if needed.
- Position the resident in the supine position (with the bed flat).
- Place one of your hands under the resident’s knee with your palm facing up.
- Place your other hand under the resident’s ankle with your palm facing up.
- Watch for any objective signs of pain during movement.
- Abduction/Adduction for Hip:
  - Keeping the resident’s leg straight, gently move their entire leg away from their body (i.e., abduction).
  - Move their leg gently and stop if there is any resistance.
  - Ask the resident if they are experiencing any pain during movement.
  - Stop the ROM movement if the resident reports pain or displays objective signs of pain.
  - Keeping the resident’s leg straight, move their entire leg toward their body (i.e., adduction).
  - Complete abduction and adduction movements of the hip according to the order in their restorative care plan.
  - Continue to correctly support joints by keeping one of your hands under the resident’s knee and the other hand under the resident’s ankle.
- Flexion/Extension of Knee and Hip:
  - Bend the resident’s knee and hip up toward the resident’s trunk (i.e., flexion of hip and knee at the same time).
  - Move the resident’s leg gently and stop if there is any resistance.
  - Ask the resident if they are experiencing any pain during movement.
  - Stop the ROM movement if the resident reports pain or displays objective signs of pain.
  - Straighten their knee and hip (i.e., extension of knee and hip at the same time).
  - Complete flexion and extension movements of the knee and hip according to the order in the restorative care plan.

4. Post-Procedure Steps:

- Check on resident comfort and ask if anything else is needed.
- Ensure the bed is low and locked. Check the brakes.
- Place the call light or signaling device within reach of the resident.
- Open the door and privacy curtain.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Document and report ROM performed and any skin issues, pain with movement, or other changes noted with the resident.

> This information can be found in Section 9.10 of the book.

Please click on the link below to access the skills checklist. This checklist can be printed and cut out for an in-class activity.

Skills Checklist: Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises for the Hip and Knee

Licensing and Attribution