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Guidelines for helping with ROM exercises

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, June 23, 2004

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Range of motion (ROM) exercises are special movements practiced to reduce muscle contractions and maintain joint flexibility for those who may have limited mobility. Injuries and diseases, such as stroke and arthritis, can cause a resident to require help with ROM exercises.

CNAs should follow these general guidelines to reduce the risk of injury when helping residents perform ROM exercises:

• If any movement causes the resident pain, stop doing it
• Exercises should be performed daily, or as ordered
• Each exercise should be performed three to five times, or as many times as ordered
• Movements should be slow, smooth, and gentle
• It is not necessary to perform all of the exercises at the same time of day
• While assisting the resident with ROM exercises, explain what you are doing throughout the procedure
• Start with the head and work down to the feet

Remind CNAs to keep these guidelines in mind while they help residents perform their ROM exercises, or assist them with the exercises.

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