Goniometry
derived from two greek words: gonta (angle) and metron (measure)
refers to measurement of angles
Arthrokinematics
refer to the movement of joint surfaces.
Rolling
rotatory motion similar to the rolling of the tire on the road.
Sliding/Gliding
sliding of one joint surface over another.
Osteokinematics
refer to the gross movement of the shafts of the bone rather than the movement of joint surfaces.
Sagittal Plane
divides the body into right and left halves
motion: flexion and extension
Frontal/Coronal Plane
divides the body anterior and posterior
motion: abduction and adduction
Transverse Plane
divides the body into superior and inferior
motion: rotations
Range of Motion
refers to the arc of motion that occurs at a joint
starting position: anatomical position
Active Range of Motion
the arc of motion attained by a subject during unassisted voluntary joint of motion.
Passive Range of Motion
the arc of motion attained by an examiner without assistance from the subject.
End Feel
the feeling that is experienced by an examiner at the end of passive ROM.
Soft End Feel
soft tissue approximation
Firm End Feel
muscular, capsular, and ligamentous stretch.
Hard End Feel
bone contacting bone.
Abnormal Soft End Feel
occurs sooner or later in the ROM than is usual or in a joint that normally has a firm or hard end-feel
feels boggy
Abnormal Firm End Feel
occurs sooner or later in the ROM than is usual or in a joint that normally has a soft or hard end-feel.
Abnormal Hard End Feel
occurs sooner or later in the ROM than is usual or in a joint that normally has a soft or firm end-feel
a bony grating or bony block is felt
Empty End Feel
no real end-feel because pain prevent reaching end of ROM
no resistance is felt except for patient's protective muscle splinting or muscle spasm
Hypomobility
decrease in passive ROM less than the normal value of the value of the joint
limitation is due to: passive shortening of joint capsules, ligament, muscles, fascia, and skin or inflammation
Hypermobility
increase in passive ROM that exceeds the normal value of the joint
due to laxity of soft tissue structure such as ligaments. capsules, and muscles
Positioning
refers to the positions of the body that were recommended for obtaining goniometric measurements
place the joint in starting position of zero degrees
permit a complete ROM
provide stabilization for proximal joint segment
Stabilization
testing position that helps stabilize the body of the subject's and the proximal joint segment
isolating the motion to one joint helps ensure accurate measurement
Body Stationary Arm Moving Arm
parts of the goniometer
Body
resembles a protractor and may form a half (0-180) or full (0-360) circle.
Stationary Arm
structural part
cannot be moved independently from the body
Moving Arm
attached to the center of the body.
Inclinometers
gravity-dependent goniometer
uses gravity's effect on pointers and fluid levels to measure joint position and motion
Goniometer Alignment
refers to the alignment of the arms of the goniometer
uses anatomical landmarks to accurately visualize joint segments
Proximal Arm
aligned with the proximal segment of the joint
Distal Arm
aligned with distal segment of the joint.
Fulcrum
placed over the approximate joint location of the axis of motion the joint being measured.