Which of the following describes 'passive movement'?

The concept of 'passive movement' refers to movements facilitated without the direct involvement of the individual’s muscular effort. When a body part is moved through its range of motion by an external force—such as gravity, a therapist, or a machine—this is characterized as passive movement.

In a passive movement scenario, the individual being moved does not engage their muscles to assist in the motion; instead, the movement happens due to guidance from another person or an external source. This type of movement is significant in rehabilitation settings, where it can help maintain joint flexibility and circulation without requiring the patient to exert effort.

Understanding this concept helps differentiate it from other types of movement, such as active movement, where the athlete initiates motion and engages their muscles. Recognizing passive movement is important for developing effective treatment plans in sports medicine and physical therapy.