Edmund M. Kosmahl, PT, EdD

Department of Physical Therapy - University of Scranton

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 GONIOMETRY WEB SITE

POSITIONING AND STABILIZATION
|| Intro. || || Upper Ext. || || Lower Ext. || || Spine || || TMJ ||

POSITIONING

a. Start with joint at zero position - This is the reference point for the measurement. If zero position can't be achieved, this must be documented.

b. permit complete range of motion

1) If you are assessing joint ROM, be sure that some other structure (eg. a tight muscle) doesn't interfere.

2) If you are assessing some other structure (eg. a tight muscle, pain limiting the motion) document exactly what is limiting the range of motion. (eg. hamstring tightness at 65o of hip flexion)

 STABILIZATION a. Poor stabilization is the most frequent cause of invlaid measurements. (eg. observe a "normal" ROM of elbow extension when movement of shoulder and arm masks a limitation - actually measuring shoulder and arm movement)
Poor Stabilization for Elbow Extension
Poor Stabilization

b. usually stabilize proximal joint components

c. promote patient relaxation so voluntary muscle contraction doesn't interfere

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|| Intro. || || Upper Ext. || || Lower Ext. || || Spine || || TMJ ||
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