When supporting a person's elbow joint during range of motion (ROM) exercises, how should you position your hands?

Positioning your hands correctly while supporting a person's elbow joint during range of motion (ROM) exercises is crucial for both comfort and safety. When you place one hand under the elbow and the other on the wrist, it provides adequate support to the joint throughout the movement. This technique allows for better control and stability, minimizing the risk of straining the joint or causing pain to the person receiving care.

By supporting the elbow, you help to maintain a proper alignment and facilitate a smooth range of motion, which is essential in preventing injury and ensuring effective exercise. Keeping one hand at the wrist also helps guide the movement effectively, allowing for a full range of motion without putting unnecessary stress on the joint.

Other methods, such as placing one hand on the shoulder and the other under the elbow, can create an unsteady leverage point that may not provide the best support. Similarly, using both hands on the forearm could lead to insufficient stabilization of the elbow specifically, which is the joint being targeted in the exercise. The option of placing one hand on the knee and the other under the wrist is inappropriate for elbow exercises, as it does not focus support on the elbow joint itself.