What is a common test to evaluate range of motion during assessment?

The goniometer test is a common method used to evaluate range of motion during assessments. A goniometer is a specialized instrument that measures the angle of joint movement in degrees. By placing the goniometer's arms along the body segments that form a joint, the examiner can accurately assess how far a joint can flex, extend, or rotate. This measurement is critical for understanding a patient's mobility and determining the appropriate orthotic intervention.

This method allows practitioners to identify limitations in range of motion, which can be essential for tailoring orthotic devices and therapies to meet individual needs. The precision of the goniometer provides a standard that can be tracked over time to evaluate improvements or deterioration in a patient's condition, making it a valuable tool in clinical practice.

Other methods listed, such as the stress test, flexibility test, and strength test, are focused on different aspects of musculoskeletal function and do not specifically measure the range of motion in the same accurate way that a goniometer does.