Benefits of using a digital goniometer

Measuring the range of motion (ROM) of joints is an essential part of physiotherapy assessment. In the clinic, this is done using goniometers whereby the therapist has to palpate for anatomical landmarks in order to precisely measure the angle that a joint can make. Although the gold standard instrument at the moment for measuring ROM is radiography, it is very costly to implement and not easily repeatable due to the side-effects of prolonged X-RAY exposure.

The nCounters Portable Angle Monitor with its associated control unit has digitized goniometers to make readings as accurate as possible. It is practical, inexpensive, and easy to use in the clinic. Unlike traditional goniometers, you won’t need to palpate for anatomical landmarks, but instead, a control unit will be attached to the moving limb and give readings in terms of degrees through the Portable Angle Monitor. This is useful not only when therapists have to do an assessment prior to the management proper, but it can give real-time feedback of the ROM while the patient is doing the exercises. The product comes with 6 Velcro straps of various lengths for securing the control unit to the patient.

Portable angle monitor transmitting data to control unit

The device always starts at zero, whichever way the limb is positioned. This makes it easier to track progress in the ROM, especially in cases where patients have a contracture or other conditions where they are unable to do a movement from the normal starting position. It is a useful adjunct in therapy for conditions of musculoskeletal, neurological, post-surgical, and geriatric backgrounds.