For a patient who has been inactive due to a 2-week hospitalization, which intervention best prevents contractures?

• A. Passive ROM only
• B. Immobilization
• C. Endurance training
• D. Active ROM exercises to both arms and legs two or three times a day

Answer: (D)

Maintaining joint mobility through regular range-of-motion activity is essential to prevent contractures when someone is inactive. Contractures form when joints and surrounding tissues stay in a fixed position for too long, leading to shortening and loss of flexibility. Active range-of-motion exercises—where the patient actively moves each joint through its full range—are most effective because they engage the muscles, maintain strength, and keep the joints flexible. Doing this for both arms and legs two or three times daily provides frequent movement to counteract stiffness from disuse. Passive range-of-motion can help if a person cannot move on their own, but it doesn’t build strength or prevent shortening as effectively. Endurance training targets cardiovascular fitness and muscle endurance, not specifically joint mobility. Therefore, active ROM in multiple joints performed regularly is the best way to prevent contractures in this scenario.