What is the difference between active, passive, and active-assistive range-of-motion exercises?

Active range-of-motion exercises are done by the person alone. Passive range-of-motion exercises are done by you, the nursing assistant, moving the person's joints through their range of motion. Active-assistive range-of-motion exercises are done by the person with some help from you.

According to the textbook, the three types differ by who performs the movement. In active ROM exercises, the person performs the joint movements independently. In passive ROM exercises, you move the person's joints through their full range of motion because the person cannot do so alone. In active-assistive ROM exercises, the person does the exercises but needs some help from you to complete the movement.