Why is a goniometer used in rehab assessment?

• A. To assess blood pressure
• B. To evaluate heart rate variability
• C. To measure joint ROM and monitor changes over time
• D. To measure muscle power

Answer: (C)

A goniometer provides a numeric measure of how far a joint can move, which is essential in rehab to establish a baseline, track changes over time, and gauge the effectiveness of treatment. By marking the joint’s movement in degrees, clinicians can quantify improvements or limitations and adjust therapy—such as stretching, strengthening, or mobilization—based on concrete data. It isn’t used for blood pressure, heart rate variability, or muscle power, which require different tools and measurements; those areas don’t give the precise angular ROM information that a goniometer provides.