Active Exercise

Active exercise is the opposite of passive exercise. In passive exercise, another person moves the body and limbs of the patient without movement initiated by the patient. Passive exercise is common when a patient has suffered a torn muscle or a broken bone. Range of motion is retained in the joints, and muscle atrophy is avoided while the patient is unable to participate in the exercises. Some stretching exercises are considered passive. Extremities do not move while the muscles are stretched by exerting force on them.

Most exercises performed in physical therapy or in a gym are considered active exercise. Lifting weights, running, and push-ups all require muscle activation by the patient moving a limb or muscle. Muscle mass is built by contracting a muscle over and over.

The two types of active exercise are simple and assisted active. Assisted active exercise is accomplished with the help of a therapist and is typically required when an injury prevents the patient from accomplishing the exercise on their own. It may also be required if a patient is unstable or the exercise needs to be performed in a specific manner to prevent further injury.