Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes of GoniometersWhy Goniometers Matter
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types of Goniometers
Why Goniometers Matter
Agoniometeris a device used inphysical therapyto measure a joint’srange of motion (ROM). There are two “arms”—one that is stationary and one that is movable—that are hinged together. Each is positioned at specific points on the body with the center of the goniometer aligned at the joint of interest. Hash marks on the hinge allow the therapist to precisely measure ROM in degrees.Goniometers are part of the art and science of goniometry—measuring joint ranges in each joint plane.Though you can easily purchase one yourself, a goniometer is meant for properly trained health professionals who know how to use it for the best results.For example, a therapist may use the tool to obtain a baseline range of motion measurement of a specific joint after an injury. After anintervention, they may measure again to ensure that the treatment is effective.This article will discuss the types of goniometers and why these devices matter.Jan Otto / Getty ImagesThe word “goniometry” is derived from the Greek words “gonia” and “metron,” which mean"angle" and “measure,” respectively.Types of GoniometersA universal goniometer is a basic device. It is usually made of clear plastic, sometimes metal, and some cost just a few dollars.Universal goniometers come in different sizes:Smallgoniometers are meant to measure the range of motion around the joints of your fingers, thumbs, and hands.Largegoniometers are used to measure yourhipsorknees.While the most basic form of a goniometer is a physical piece of equipment, new forms have been developed. Most notably:Goniometers that strap to a body partmeasure the range of motion while you move.Digital goniometers:Studies have shown they’re as accurate or better than the basic versions.Goniometer apps on portable devices like smartphones:These use your device’s accelerometer and gyroscopic technology to measure changes in the position of the phone. You simply open the app, place your phone in the correct position on your body part, and move your body through its available range of motion. One study found this method to be equally effective as basic goniometers in terms of measuring range of motion.Remember, only a trained professional should be using information about goniometric measurements to make medical decisions.Why Goniometers MatterWhile strength receives a lot of attention, range of motion is an often-ignored measurement of fitness. It is an indicator of flexibility as one ages.If your therapist uses a goniometer to measure your range of motion and notes a decreased motion from your baseline, they can help you improve your joint’s mobility with stretching and other interventions. Repeat use of a goniometer can help measure your improvement.A study in theJournal of Aging Researchfound that as people reach retirement age, they lose an average of 5 to 7 degrees of range of motion in their shoulders and hips each decade.Increased (or preserved) range of motion means better mobility and injury prevention long term.SummaryAsk your physical therapist how goniometric measurements figure into your overall rehab program and assessment. While a goniometer can be used effectively to measure joint range of motion, the quality of that motion—how things are moving—may be of equal importance. Your PT should take both quantity and quality motion into account when assessing your condition.Values for Normal Range of Motion (ROM)
Agoniometeris a device used inphysical therapyto measure a joint’srange of motion (ROM). There are two “arms”—one that is stationary and one that is movable—that are hinged together. Each is positioned at specific points on the body with the center of the goniometer aligned at the joint of interest. Hash marks on the hinge allow the therapist to precisely measure ROM in degrees.
Goniometers are part of the art and science of goniometry—measuring joint ranges in each joint plane.Though you can easily purchase one yourself, a goniometer is meant for properly trained health professionals who know how to use it for the best results.
For example, a therapist may use the tool to obtain a baseline range of motion measurement of a specific joint after an injury. After anintervention, they may measure again to ensure that the treatment is effective.
This article will discuss the types of goniometers and why these devices matter.
Jan Otto / Getty Images
The word “goniometry” is derived from the Greek words “gonia” and “metron,” which mean"angle" and “measure,” respectively.
A universal goniometer is a basic device. It is usually made of clear plastic, sometimes metal, and some cost just a few dollars.
Universal goniometers come in different sizes:
While the most basic form of a goniometer is a physical piece of equipment, new forms have been developed. Most notably:
Remember, only a trained professional should be using information about goniometric measurements to make medical decisions.
While strength receives a lot of attention, range of motion is an often-ignored measurement of fitness. It is an indicator of flexibility as one ages.
If your therapist uses a goniometer to measure your range of motion and notes a decreased motion from your baseline, they can help you improve your joint’s mobility with stretching and other interventions. Repeat use of a goniometer can help measure your improvement.
A study in theJournal of Aging Researchfound that as people reach retirement age, they lose an average of 5 to 7 degrees of range of motion in their shoulders and hips each decade.
Increased (or preserved) range of motion means better mobility and injury prevention long term.
Summary
Ask your physical therapist how goniometric measurements figure into your overall rehab program and assessment. While a goniometer can be used effectively to measure joint range of motion, the quality of that motion—how things are moving—may be of equal importance. Your PT should take both quantity and quality motion into account when assessing your condition.
Values for Normal Range of Motion (ROM)
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.StatPearls.Goniometer.Hancock GE, Hepworth T, Wembridge K.Accuracy and reliability of knee goniometry methods.J Exp Orthop. 2018;5(1):46. doi:10.1186/s40634-018-0161-5Behnoush B, Tavakoli N, Bazmi E, et al.Smartphone and Universal Goniometer for Measurement of Elbow Joint Motions: A Comparative Study.Asian J Sports Med. 2016;7(2):e30668. doi:10.5812/asjsm.30668Stathokostas L, Mcdonald MW, Little RM, Paterson DH.Flexibility of Older Adults Aged 55–86 Years and the Influence of Physical Activity.J Aging Res. 2013;2013. doi:10.1155/2013/743843Additional ReadingShamsi, M., Mirzaei, M. & Khabiri, S.S.Universal goniometer and electro-goniometer intra-examiner reliability in measuring the knee range of motion during active knee extension test in patients with chronic low back pain with short hamstring muscle.BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil11, 4 (2019) doi:10.1186/s13102-019-0116-x
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.StatPearls.Goniometer.Hancock GE, Hepworth T, Wembridge K.Accuracy and reliability of knee goniometry methods.J Exp Orthop. 2018;5(1):46. doi:10.1186/s40634-018-0161-5Behnoush B, Tavakoli N, Bazmi E, et al.Smartphone and Universal Goniometer for Measurement of Elbow Joint Motions: A Comparative Study.Asian J Sports Med. 2016;7(2):e30668. doi:10.5812/asjsm.30668Stathokostas L, Mcdonald MW, Little RM, Paterson DH.Flexibility of Older Adults Aged 55–86 Years and the Influence of Physical Activity.J Aging Res. 2013;2013. doi:10.1155/2013/743843Additional ReadingShamsi, M., Mirzaei, M. & Khabiri, S.S.Universal goniometer and electro-goniometer intra-examiner reliability in measuring the knee range of motion during active knee extension test in patients with chronic low back pain with short hamstring muscle.BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil11, 4 (2019) doi:10.1186/s13102-019-0116-x
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
StatPearls.Goniometer.Hancock GE, Hepworth T, Wembridge K.Accuracy and reliability of knee goniometry methods.J Exp Orthop. 2018;5(1):46. doi:10.1186/s40634-018-0161-5Behnoush B, Tavakoli N, Bazmi E, et al.Smartphone and Universal Goniometer for Measurement of Elbow Joint Motions: A Comparative Study.Asian J Sports Med. 2016;7(2):e30668. doi:10.5812/asjsm.30668Stathokostas L, Mcdonald MW, Little RM, Paterson DH.Flexibility of Older Adults Aged 55–86 Years and the Influence of Physical Activity.J Aging Res. 2013;2013. doi:10.1155/2013/743843
StatPearls.Goniometer.
Hancock GE, Hepworth T, Wembridge K.Accuracy and reliability of knee goniometry methods.J Exp Orthop. 2018;5(1):46. doi:10.1186/s40634-018-0161-5
Behnoush B, Tavakoli N, Bazmi E, et al.Smartphone and Universal Goniometer for Measurement of Elbow Joint Motions: A Comparative Study.Asian J Sports Med. 2016;7(2):e30668. doi:10.5812/asjsm.30668
Stathokostas L, Mcdonald MW, Little RM, Paterson DH.Flexibility of Older Adults Aged 55–86 Years and the Influence of Physical Activity.J Aging Res. 2013;2013. doi:10.1155/2013/743843
Shamsi, M., Mirzaei, M. & Khabiri, S.S.Universal goniometer and electro-goniometer intra-examiner reliability in measuring the knee range of motion during active knee extension test in patients with chronic low back pain with short hamstring muscle.BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil11, 4 (2019) doi:10.1186/s13102-019-0116-x
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