Range of MotionIn

Yoga Asanas

Overview

• What is range of motion (ROM)• ROM terms• ROM limitations• ROM and injury• ROM exercises• ROM in lotus pose

Definition of ROM

• Range of motion is defined is the distance and direction a joint can move to achieve its maximal potential

• Each joint has its own range of motion • ROM is expressed in degrees – for instance the

knee can flex to an angle of 130 degrees

General ROM Terms

• Flexion – decreasing the angle of the joint• Extension – returning the joint to its normal

resting position• Hyperextension – moving beyond the

anatomical position• Abduction – movement away from the midline

of the body• Adduction – movement towards the midline of

the body

General ROM Terms cont.

• Rotation – moving a part (bone) around an axis– Internal (medial) = inward rotation– External (lateral0 = outward rotation

• Circumduction – mooving a part in a circular pattern

Specific ROM for the Foot

• Plantar flexion – pointing the toes• Dorsiflexion – moving the toes towards the

body• Inversion – turning the sole of the foot inward• Eversion – turning the sole of the foot

outward• Pronation – the foot rolls inward• Supination - foot rolls outward

Other Specific ROM Terms

• Forearm – Supination – turning the palm up– Pronation – turning the palm down

• Scapula/Head– Protaction – similar to abduction– Retraction – similar to adduction

• Spine– Lateral flexion – side bending

ROM Limitations

• Any joint is limited in its ROM by the joint capsule, the surrounding tissue (ligaments, tendons, and muscles) and the condition of the joint (presence of arthritis, inflammation, injury/trauma, contractures, pain, disability, etc.)

• As a yoga teacher you need to be aware of an individual’s ROM limitation especially when performing an adjustment.

ROM and Injury

• Going beyond the joints range of motion can result in injury to the joint and/or surrounding tissue.

• Factors which may predispose a person to injury include age, height, weight, joint laxity, ego.

• Cues by the instructor can help reduce the potential for injury.

• Which common yoga poses could result in the yoga practitioner to go beyond the joint ROM

ROM Exercises

• ROM exercises are used to preserve or restore flexibility and mobility of the joint.

• ROM exercises can be divided into three classification:

• Passive ROM – assistance is provided by another individual to move the joint through a ROM.

• Active ROM – you perform the movement• Active-assisted ROM – you perform the movement

to your limit and then assistance is provided to produce a great ROM.

Analysis of Padmasana (Lotus Pose)

Describe the ROM at the

HipsKneesAnkles Foot

POSTURAL ANALYSIS