Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of a passive range of motion exercise. [Subjects] The subject was a 96-year-old female patient with both a cerebrovascular disease and a persistent vegetative state. [Methods] We assessed physical reactions to the passive range of motion exercise using a single case design. [Results] The result of this investigation suggests that the passive range of motion exercise stimulated the brain of the patient and increased the reaction rate of the upper extremities. [Conclusion] We conclude that the passive range of motion exercise can immediately improve the reactions of upper extremities for an elderly patient with both a cerebrovascular disease and a persistent vegetative state.
