When providing passive range of motion exercises to the hip and knee, which technique is correct?

• A. Cradle the client's heel
• B. Grasp the knee directly
• C. Hold the ankle and push
• D. Move the leg with the foot flat on bed

Answer: (A)

When performing passive range-of-motion exercises for the hip and knee, the goal is to move the limb smoothly while keeping the joints well supported and aligned. Cradling the heel provides stable distal support, allowing the leg to be guided as a single unit and the knee to stay in proper alignment, which helps prevent hyperextension or awkward twisting. This grip gives you control over the leg’s movement from the hip without placing direct pressure on the knee joint. In contrast, grasping the knee directly can press on the joint and risk injury, holding the ankle and pushing can create leverage that strains the knee, and moving the leg with the foot flat on the bed offers less control and can lead to misalignment.