Goniometry
Goniometry
• Step 1:
• Place the Goniometer over the fulcrum of the joint. This will vary depending on which joint you are measuring.
Place the stationary arm of the Goniometer along the stationary line of the body (again, this will vary depending
on which joint you are measuring), and the movable arm on the moving part of the body.
• Step 2:
• Ask your patient to move the joint in the desired direction. Have the patient move to her fullest extent of motion,
following the movement with the movable arm of the Goniometer. Make sure the stationary arm stays straight.
• Step 3:
• Stabilize the stationary portion of the body. This is the part of the body that is proximal (closer to the midline of
the body) to the joint you are testing. It is important that the patient does not move his body while moving the
joint; this step isolates the joint movement for a more accurate measurement.
• Step 4:
• Look at the reading on the Goniometer before removing it from the patient's body. Ensure that you take an
accurate reading of the degree of motion on the Goniometer, and that you consistently use the same stationary
and movable landmarks on the body when measuring, to ensure consistency. Be sure to record the range of
motion for the joint.
TECHNIQUE OF MEASUREMENT
• Plastic Goniometers:
• 12 ½" Goniometer: Scale reads 0° to 180° and 0°
to 360° in 1° increments
• 8" Goniometer: Scale reads 0° to 180° in opposite
directions in 1° increments
• 6" Goniometer: Scale reads 0° to 180° in opposite
directions in 1° increments
• 6 ¾ " Goniometer: Scale reads 0° to 180° in 5°
increments. I deal for small joints
Parts of a Goniometer
• Body (Fulcrum) - The body of a goniometer is the
centerpiece, usually circular or semicircular, with a
protractor printed on its face and the fulcrum of the
movement arm at its center.
– Generally, the fulcrum of the goniometer is placed over the
center of a joint during measurement.
• Stationary Arm (Stabilization Arm) - The arm that is
affixed to the body of the goniometer in such away that it's
relative position does not change.
– Generally, the stationary arm is aligned with a reference line that
does not move during measurement.
• Moving Arm (Movement Arm) - The arm that is affixed to
the face of the goniometer at it's fulcrum; and
Shoulder joint:
Shoulder
• Flexion 180
• Extension 50
• Abduction 180
• Adduction 50
• Lateral Rotation/ External Rotation 90
• Medial Rotation/ Internal Rotation 90
• Circumduction 360
FLEXION:
Recommended testing position: Supine lying
position. Both arm straight & placed side of
the trunk
Goniometer alignment:
MCP Extension
MCP Abduction