Comparison of two methods of goniometry.

This investigation was conducted to determine if there are significant differences between the lateral and the over-the-joint methods of goniometry for measurements of the elbow joint. Forty physical therapy students with previous goniometric training were divided randomly into four goniometric measurement groups: 1) lateral method for an obtuse angle, 2) lateral method for an acute angle, 3) over-the-joint method for an obtuse angle, and 4) over-the-joint method for an acute angle. All students in each group participated in four sessions during which a proctor's elbow joint was measured according to the method of the assigned goniometric measurement group. The joint was held in a fixed position by a plywood stabilizing device. The results of a three-factor analysis of variance with repeated measures on one factor showed that there was no difference between the lateral and the over-the-joint methods of goniometric measurement of the elbow joint.