Range of Motion
The extent, usually measured in degrees, through which a joint can move between its fully flexed and fully extended positions.
ROM stands for Range of Motion.
Definition
Range of motion is how far a joint can travel through its available arc of movement. It can be active, produced by the athlete's own muscles, or passive, produced by an external force, and it varies by joint, individual and the demands of the sport.
Adequate range lets athletes reach the positions their sport requires, such as a deep swimming catch, a full tennis backswing or a low squat, while efficient technique makes use of the range available. Range of motion is influenced by joint structure, soft-tissue length and control; this entry describes it educationally and is not flexibility, rehabilitation or medical advice.
Where you’ll hear “range of motion”
Sports that use this term:
Swimming
A full-body, low-impact endurance sport suitable for almost every age and ability.
Tennis
A singles or doubles racquet sport that blends agility, strategy and stamina on court.
Fitness
Strength and general fitness training — the foundation that supports every other sport.
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Practice & sessions
Goals
Physical qualities
Training methods
- Mobility TrainingMobility training works on moving your joints actively through their full range, combining control and flexibility so movement feels free and easy.
- Endurance Base TrainingEndurance base training is an extended phase of mostly easy, steady aerobic work that lays the aerobic foundation the rest of a training plan builds on.
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How this page is maintained
- Content type
- Term
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
- Verified external sources
- 0
- Content updated
- 2026-09-01
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