Which term refers to the passive movement of a joint during an assessment?

The term that refers to the passive movement of a joint during an assessment is known as PROM, which stands for Passive Range of Motion. This assessment is conducted by a healthcare professional, who moves the joint without any effort from the patient. It allows the evaluator to assess the joint's mobility, flexibility, and the integrity of the surrounding structures, such as ligaments or tendons.

PROM is especially useful in understanding limitations caused by pain, stiffness, or structural issues, as it isolates the movement from the muscle's involvement. This is distinct from other movement assessments like AROM (Active Range of Motion), where the patient performs their own movement, or RROM (Resisted Range of Motion), which involves testing strength against resistance. By clearly defining the type of motion being assessed, PROM helps in diagnosing conditions and guiding rehabilitation strategies.