Joint Range Of Motion Essay

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Joint range of motion (ROM) is an important measure in determining whether joint excursion is impaired and the range of difference between the upper and lower limits. In this experiment, observation, goniometry and inclincometry were used to determine the range of elbow extension in a variety of healthy participants. Reliability in observation, goniometry and inclinometry means whether the application of the instrument and the procedures produce the same measurements consistently under the same conditions (Richard L. Gajdosik, 1987). ROM is measured to identify 1) if there is impairment in the upper and lower limits 2) if treatment to certain areas has been effective by providing quantifiable objective measures and 3) to assist in diagnosis of patients (Susan W. Muir, 2010). The overall consistency of these measures is therefore important so that comparisons can be made to assess patient improvements and so that the measurements provide meaningful information. Standardisation played an important role throughout this experiment in ensuring that all measurements were conducted in the same way thus enhancing reliability. Patient position, and therapist position were important to ensure safe handling and observation. Defining the fulcrum, stationary body …show more content…

Through this research we aim to identify which tool is most reliable in a clinical setting. The reliability of these measurements gathered only reflects their reproducibility in relation to the short time periods they were conducted in. Therefore, when relating back to clinical practice, reliability may differ. In a clinical setting there may be weeks between seeing a patient, consequently, the assessor may see a larger difference in the range of motion of the elbow resulting in different reliability

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