Which statement correctly describes passive and active mobilization and when each is appropriate?

• A. Active mobilization is always used first
• B. Passive mobilization requires patient effort
• C. Passive mobilization is never used
• D. Passive mobilization moves joints by the therapist; active requires patient effort; start with passive when the patient cannot initiate movement and progress to active as tolerated

Answer: (D)

Understanding how passive and active mobilization differ and when to use each helps clinicians tailor ICU rehab to what the patient can safely do.

Passive mobilization means the therapist moves the joints for the patient, with no active effort from the patient. It’s used when the patient cannot initiate movement, such as due to severe weakness, altered mental status, or obvious clinical instability. The goal is to maintain joint range, prevent contractures, promote circulation, and begin neuromuscular stimulation indirectly while the patient remains unable to contribute.

Active mobilization requires the patient to contribute effort to move the limb or perform an exercise. This builds strength, neuromuscular control, and functional capacity, and is progressed to as the patient tolerates and gains motor activation and stability.

The statement aligns with practice by noting both definitions and emphasizing progression: start with passive when the patient cannot initiate movement and progress to active as tolerated. It wouldn’t be appropriate to insist active is always used first, since some patients cannot initiate movement; passive does not require patient effort; and passive mobilization is indeed used in clinical care.