Goniometry

Goniometry

Measurement of range of motion of a joint of the body

Movable arm

-Attached to center of axis -Acts as the dial -Read the degree

Stationary arm

-Small protractor or half/full circle -Degree numbers are on this bar

Key to reading the goniometer

-common sense -knowing your norms Align the arms first, then place axis point over the anatomical landmark & visually follow the movable arm.

Why is Goniometry important?

-to measure the intervention of outcomes -to measure if joint is within normal limits -to see how limited joints are -to see if after treatment the range of motion has increased

General Principles: OT practitioner must have complete understanding of

1) Degree & type of motion that is going to occur at specific joint 2) Average range of motion 3) Correct positioning of therapist & client

Basic Principles for ROM testing

1) Have patient comfortable & relaxed in testing position 2) Explain & demonstrate the what, why & how of goniometry to patient 3) Establish body landmarks for measurement 4) Stabilize joints proximal to the joint being measured 5) Move the part passively through ROM to estimate available ROM & get feel for joint mobility 6) Return the part to starting position 7) At starting position, place axis of goniometer over the axis of the joint. Place stationary bar on the proximal or stationary bone & the movable bar on the distal or moving bone. 8) Record the number of degrees at starting position 9) Depending on what type of measurement is taken (AROM or PROM), move or have patient move the part to obtain measurement desired 10) Reposition the movable arm of the goniometer, checking the axis is still accurately placed, & note the number of degrees at final position 11) Record reading to nearest 5 degrees & make notations

Axis (fulcrum)

1) Rivet that acts as the fulcrum is placed over the axis of the joint 2) Makes a semi circle of movement 3) Tight enough to hold the movable arm when being measured

Rules for Recording Measurements

1) patients unaffected side gives best reading for normal 2) functional ROM may not be within normal limits 3) limitation is present when not starting at zero 4) glenohumeral ROM depends on scapular mobility 5) note position if more than one is available 6) observe & document any type of pain, crepitation, contractions or spastisity 7) record in 5 degree increments

Goniometer

The tool used to measure range of motion (several sizes-full circle, plastic finger, small plastic)