What is the main purpose of passive range of motion exercises?

Passive range of motion exercises are primarily designed to maintain joint flexibility and prevent stiffness in patients who are unable to move independently. This is particularly important in maintaining the health of joints and surrounding muscles for individuals with limited mobility due to illness, injury, or disability. By performing these exercises, caregivers or therapists move the patient's limbs through their full range of motion without any effort from the patient. This practice helps prevent complications such as contractures, improves circulation, and supports overall joint health, which is crucial for patients who are bedridden or have difficulty with movement.

The other options focus on benefits that are not the primary purpose of passive range of motion exercises. For example, increasing aerobic capacity and enhancing muscle hypertrophy are typically associated with active exercises that require the patient to engage their muscles. Similarly, improving coordination and reaction times is more relevant to active movements and exercises that involve cognitive engagement and muscle control rather than passive assistance. Thus, maintaining joint flexibility and preventing stiffness is the key goal of passive range of motion exercises.