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Part I. Introduction to Goniometry and Muscle Length Testing: Introduction
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This book is designed to serve as a guide for learning how to assess range of motion and muscle length. Part I presents the background information on the principles and procedures necessary for understanding goniometry. Practice exercises are included at appropriate intervals to help the examiner apply this information and develop the psychomotor skills necessary for competency in measuring joint motion and muscle length. Different types of joint range-of-motion measuring instruments such as goniometers and inclinometers are introduced so that examiners become competent in their use. The validity and reliability of goniometric measurements are explored to encourage thoughtful and appropriate use of these techniques in clinical practice. Parts II through IV present the procedures for the examination of joint range of motion and muscle length testing of the upper and lower extremities, the spine, and temporomandibular joints.
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OBJECTIVES
After completion of Part I, which includes chapters on Basic Concepts, Procedures, and Validity and Reliability, you will be able to:
Define:
goniometry
kinematics
arthrokinematics
osteokinematics
range of motion
end-feel
muscle length testing
reliability
validity
Identify the appropriate planes and axes for each of the following motions:
Compare:
active, active assistive, and passive ranges of motion
arthrokinematic and osteokinematic motions soft, firm, and hard end-feels
hypomobility and hypermobility
capsular and noncapsular patterns of restricted motion
goniometer and inclinometer
reliability and validity
intratester and intertester reliability
face, content, criterion-related, and construct validity
Explain the importance of:
testing positions
stabilization
clinical estimates of range of motion
palpation of bony landmarks
recording starting and ending positions
Perform an evaluation of elbow joint motion, including:
a clear explanation of the procedure
proper placement of the individual in the recommended testing position
adequate stabilization of the proximal joint component
correct determination of the end of the range of motion
correct identification of the end-feel
palpation of the appropriate bony landmarks
accurate alignment of the goniometer
correct reading of both the goniometer and the inclinometer, and recording of the measurements
Give an example of a muscle length test.
Perform and interpret intratester and intertester reliability tests, including standard deviation, coefficient of variation, correlation coefficients, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change.