AROM
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Active range of motion |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Medical |
AROM has two meanings. It stands for Active range of motion (rehabilitation) or Artificial rupture of membranes (obstetrics & gynecology).
Meanings of AROM at a glance
| # | AROM stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Active range of motion | Medical › Rehabilitation |
| 2 | Artificial rupture of membranes | Medical › Obstetrics & Gynecology |
1. Active range of motion
Medical · Rehabilitation Abbreviations
Joint movement the patient produces using their own muscles, without help. Comparing AROM with passive range shows whether limits come from weakness or from joint stiffness.
Example: Shoulder AROM flexion 110 degrees, PROM 160 degrees; weakness of rotator cuff suspected.
A large gap between active and passive motion points to muscle weakness, pain inhibition or nerve injury rather than a stiff joint. AROM exercises maintain strength and circulation in early recovery. Some surgical protocols forbid AROM until tissues heal.
2. Artificial rupture of membranes
Medical · Obstetrics & Gynecology Abbreviations
Deliberate opening of the amniotic sac with a small plastic hook, also called amniotomy, to induce or speed up labor or to allow placement of internal monitors. It is done when the cervix is partly dilated and the baby's head is well applied.
Example: Cervix 5 cm, vertex at 0 station; AROM performed, clear fluid.
The fetal head should be engaged to reduce the risk of umbilical cord prolapse. Once membranes are ruptured, labor is generally expected to continue to delivery. In rehabilitation AROM means active range of motion, a completely different measurement.
Related abbreviations
More rehabilitation abbreviations
- ADL – Activities of daily living
- AFO – Ankle-foot orthosis
- AKA – Above-knee amputation
- AM-PAC – Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care
- BBS – Berg Balance Scale
- BKA – Below-knee amputation
- BWSTT – Body-weight-supported treadmill training
- CGA – Contact guard assist
See all 98 rehabilitation abbreviations →
More obstetrics & gynecology abbreviations
- AFI – Amniotic fluid index
- AGA – Appropriate for gestational age
- AMA – Advanced maternal age
- AMH – Anti-Müllerian hormone
- ART – Assisted reproductive technology
- ASC-US – Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance
- AUB – Abnormal uterine bleeding
- BCP – Birth control pill
See all 89 obstetrics & gynecology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.