Goniometry

Question 1

What does a goniometer consist of

Answer 1

Moving arm
Body
Stationary arm

Question 2

Hypermobility

Answer 2

Joints have an unusually large range of motion

Question 3

Hypomobility

Answer 3

Joints are too tight and there is a decreased range of motion

Question 4

Ways of measuring the range

Answer 4

Using a goniometer
Measuring the distance between points
Visual estimation in degrees or as a fraction of the total range
Tracing limb on a piece of paper

Question 5

Procedures of Goniometry

Answer 5

Positioning
Stabilization
Goniometer alignment

Question 6

End feels

Answer 6

Soft - knee flexion (soft tissue approximation)
Firm - Hip flexion (knee straight - Muscular stretch capsular and ligaments)
Hard - elbow extension
Empty - no mechanical limitations to the end of range but client experiences excessive pain

Question 7

Factors affecting joint ROM

Answer 7

Pathological factors - diseases
Neurological factors - stroke and accidents
Biological - difference between male and females

Question 8

Why do we measure joint ROM

Answer 8

For progress and regress
Baseline readings
Motivation

Question 9

Principles for measuring joint ROM

Answer 9

1. Motions of a joint are measured from zero starting position
2. Anatomical position of an extremity is the accepted zero position
3. Movement examined should be compared to the opposite extremity
4. Distinguish between active and passive range of motion
5. AROM - unassisted voluntary movement
6. PROM - movement attained by the examiner without the assistant of the subject

Question 10

How are movements done

Answer 10

Actively
Active assisted
Passively

Question 11

Documenting the range

Answer 11

Number of degrees of movement from the zero position indicates the range of motion, eg
Knee flexion : 0 - 135 ( full flextion and extension)
Knee flexion : 20 - 135 ( limitations of extention)