Joint ROM and Measurement

Question 1

What does ROM depend on?
What things generally cause limitations fo ROM?

Answer 1

• the structure of the joint
• elasticity of suporting structures (ligaments, tendons, muscles, capsules)

Limitations are caused by injury or disease to the joint itself or to surrounding joint tissue structures

Question 2

What is NROM

Answer 2

Normla Range of Motion
* the amount of motion through which a joint typically passes as it moves within a specific plane
* the NROM for each joint has been established as a “norm”

Question 3

What is PROM?

Answer 3

• the amount of motion through which a joint passes when moved by an outside force (by a therapist)
• this is typically more than active ROM due to the protective function of joint structure with an active ROM
• this is what is typically recorded in documentation

Question 4

What info does PROM give the therapist?

Answer 4

• joint integrity
• elasticity and extensibility of joint structures (muscles, joint capsule, ligaments, tendons)

Question 5

What is active ROM?

Answer 5

The amount of motion through which a joint moves under voluntary control by the subject
* provides some info about joint range, muscle strength, and coordination
* range may be due to sex, body type, occupation, ect…

Question 6

What is functional ROM?

Answer 6

• the amount of range that is necessary to complete adl’s WITHOUT adaptiev equipment ot excessive compensatory movements

Question 7

What is the purpose of measuring joint ROM?

Answer 7

• assess the general integrity and flexibility of the joint
• determine any limitations which interfere with client’s ability to function OR produce disabling deformity
• determine what ranges needed to be increased to increase functioning or reduce deformity
• keep records to determine effectiveness

Question 8

In order to do joint ROM what do you need to do?

Answer 8

• properly position the client
• stabilize the client and the joint
• differentiate between and palpate bony landmarks
• position the goniometer correctly with landmarks/reference points
• move the client through the appropriate range
• determine when the end ROM is reached
• read goniometer correctly
• record measurements correctly

Question 9

STEP 1

Answer 9

• Introduce self
• explain fully and demonstrate the ROM procedure prior to testing
• ask for permission to touch client
• inquire about any pain in that body part before testing

Question 10

STEP 2

Answer 10

• make the client as comfortable as possible
• consider room temp, privacy, comfort of body parts NOT being tested

Question 11

STEPs 3-4

Answer 11

3.remove any clothing that may obstruct view
4.place client and part tested in recommended position

Question 12

STEPS 5-7

Answer 12

5.Stablize the proximal joint segment
6.move the distal joint through available PROM to get a “feel” for the joint
7.Return the distal segment to starting position 0 degrees

Question 13

STEPS 8-12

Answer 13

8.place the axis of the goniometer over the axis of the joint
9.Read the starting position. Remove the goniometer
10.passively move the distal segment through the full available PROM
11.place the goniometer again and realign it
12.read the measurement and record it

Question 14

What does the abbreviation WFL or WNL mean?

Answer 14

means no acctual numbers were recorded (prob no goniometer used)
* WFL = within functional limits
* WNL= within normal limits