Categories: Goniometer

Why You Should Stop Using A Goniometer – 5 Reasons

The Kinesics App is a range of motion software solution for any professional conducting range of motion evaluations.

At Kinesics, data comes first.

We have done our homework to seek out a range of motion measurement tool that is accurate and reliable every time, no matter who is taking the measurement. This is called intra and inter-rater reliability, respectively.

The goniometer is the most commonly used tool used to take range of motion measurements among human movement professionals including physical therapists, athletic trainers, and personal trainers.

Just because it’s popular, doesn’t mean it’s the best.

The goniometer produces intra and inter-rater variances of up to 35 degrees. A 35 degree error in a measurement can easily lead to a misdiagnosis or the incorrect selection of stretches and exercises.

The Halo Digital Device is an FDA and TGA approved range of motion measurement tool that takes repeatable measurements, within 1 degree of accuracy, regardless of who takes the measurement.

YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING, WHAT MAKES THE GONIOMETER SO PRONE TO ERROR AND HOW IS THE HALO ABLE TO TAKE SUCH ACCURATE, REPEATABLE MEASUREMENTS

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1.Goniometer Arms vs. Halo Lasers

Lets examine the difference between the goniometer arms and the Halo lasers.

When using a goniometer, the professional must eyeball OR guestimate the alignment of the goniometer?s arms with anatomical landmarks?because the goniometer?s arms are limited in length.

The Halo lasers were designed to take the place of goniometer arms and project at a length that accommodates the limbs of basketball players. This enables the Halo lasers to reach all anatomical landmarks for accurate and repeatable measurements. No eyeballing.

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2.?Goniometer Lines vs. Halo?s Digital Screen

The second reason the Halo lasers are superior to goniometer arms is due to the Halo?s one click measurement capture and easy-to-read digital screen. This eliminates the need to stabilize the goniometer arms while moving the tool to a location where the professional can record a measurement. Of course, reading between tiny lines also lends itself to error.

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3. Manual Recording vs. Digital Storage

The Halo allows for work efficiency by storing up to 5 measurements at a time AND the Halo automatically calculates the angular differences between position 1 and position 2. This reduces human error in calculation, and saves time by efficiently recording 5 measurements in a session?rather than in between each measurement.

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4. Ergonomically Easier on Professional and Patient

The Halo is ergonomically easier on the professional. You practically need a 3rd arm when using a goniometer. The Halo can easily be used with one hand, freeing the other hand to stabilize the patient.

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5. Save Time

All of the aforementioned benefits of the Halo add up to big savings in time. A Halo range of motion measurement can be taken quickly, often in under 30 seconds. We all know the burden of positioning a participant, aligning the goniometer, reading a measurement, writing the measurement down?and good luck to you, as you rinse and repeat to capture another measurement!