Goniometer types,uses,principles,techniques and factors affecting ROM

1. GONIOMETER
PRATIGYA DEUJA

2.  In Greek, Gonio = Angle and Metry = Measurement
 Goniometry is the most widely used method for measuring
joint motion.
 The starting position for measuring all ROM except rotation is
in transverse plane or anatomical position.
 The three notation system that have been used are;
0-180º
180-0º
360º

3. 1) Stationary arm : Structural part of Goniometer that
can’t be moved.
2) Moving arm : Moves on the body freely
3) Fulcrum/Axis

4. 1) Universal Goniometer:
a) Half circle Goniometer
b) Full circle Goniometer
2) Finger Goniometer
3) Functional Goniometer
4) Pendular Goniometer
5) Gravity dependent or fluid Goniometer
6) Electro Goniometer

5.  The axis of Goniometer is placed over the axis of
the joint.
 Make the patient comfortable and relaxed.
 Select suitable starting position.
 Neutral zero (0) method for measuring and
recording is commended.
 The measurement part should be exposed
properly.
 The stationary arm is positioned to the
longitudinal axis of the part proximal to the
joint.
 The movable arm is positioned parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the part distal to joints.

6.  The movable arm is positioned parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the part distal to joints.
 The stationary or immovable arm should be
positioned accurately in appropriate place to get
measurement accurately.
 The therapist should be aware about his support
and goniometer part in such way that it should
not restrict the joint ROM.
 Environmental variables should be taken in
consideration.
 Instruct the patient to avoid any sort of trick
movement while taking measurement.

7.  Always the measurements should be taken from
lateral aspect of the part of the joint in order to
prevent obstruction.
 Measurement of range may be done actively or
passively.
 Established bony marks for measurement.
 Stabilize the part proximal to the joint to be
measured.
 Check PROM with AROM.

8. 1) Soft tissue tightness: Muscle, ligaments,
capsule, cartilage, synovial membrane spasm.
2) Adhesion formation: Lack of mobility of the
joint reduce the flexibility and the
nourishment circulation around the joint
structure.
3) Injuries or inflammation: Injuries or
inflammation around the joint e.g; OA,RA,TB
4) Muscle bulk: Increase muscle bulk may cause
the reduction of PROM/AROM
5) Sex: Female is more flexible.
6) Nervous system: Paralysis, hypomobility

9. 1) Environmental variables;
- Time of the day
- Temperature
- Kind of goniometer
- Experience of the therapist
2) Patient related factors;
- Reaction of pain and fatigue
- Feeling of fear, tension or stress
- Therapist should put effort to relax

10. 1) To measure the available ROM incase of various
physical problem that limit the joint motion.
2) Measurement in alternation of joint motion is
useful to treat the condition and increase ROM of
the joint.
3) Passive measurement gives the range of joint
motion if the therapist moves joint passively.
4) If AROM is less then PROM then it indicates the
problem of muscle weakness.

11. 5) Used to select appropriate treatment goals.
6) To record progression and regression in
rehabilitation.
7) It should be compared with normal range and
screen the hypermobility/ hypomobility of joint.
8) To screen the limitation of motion of particular
range.
9) To identify abnormal condition related to
muscles, tendons and joints such as;
contractures, decrease ROM due to disuse or
injury.

12.  Joint injury
 Edema pain
 Skin tightness
 Spasticity
 Adaptive shortening
 Poor muscle
 Muscle weakness
 Joint stiffness
 Muscle tightness, contractures
 Deformities

13. GENERAL
1) HTN
2) Hyperpyrexia
3) Dut
4) Unco-operative
patient
LOCAL
1) Recent fractures
2) Recent surgeries
3) Post op surgeries
4) Open wounds
5) Unhealed scar
6) Severe pain
7) Joint inflammation
8) Malignancy
9) Joint
dislocation/sublux

14.  Patient should be comfortable and relaxed.
 Patient clothes should be removed while taking
measurement of joint.
 Position and stabilization should be corrected.
 Place the joint in a starting position of zero
degree.
 Therapist should explain about the procedure to
the patient so that the patient has a clear
awareness.
 Stable arm of the goniometer should be placed
on the proximal and movable arm on the distal
segment.
 Therapist should move the movable arm along
with the joint movement.

15.  Goniometer measurement
 Numerical tables
 Pictoral charts
 Written text of an evaluation