Inclinometer: Uses in Physiotherapy.pptx

Learn how inclinometers are used in physiotherapy to assess joint mobility and spinal range of motion.

1. INCLINOMETER By PENUBALA SAI DHARANI MSK & SPORTS

2. INCLINOMETER An inclinometer is a device used to measure  angles . It is commonly used in physiotherapy to measure the  range of motion  (ROM) of joints and very similar to a  goniometer . The ROM is the amount of movement that a joint can make. How an inclinometer works An inclinometer has a housing that contains a sensor. The sensor is sensitive to gravity and measures the angle of the housing. The angle is then displayed on a digital display or a dial.

3. An inclinometer is used to measure the ROM of joints in a variety of ways. One way is to place the inclinometer on the joint and then move the joint through its range of motion. The angle of the inclinometer will change as the joint moves. The maximum angle reached is the ROM of the joint. Another way to use an inclinometer is to measure the angle between two body parts. For example, a physiotherapist might use an inclinometer to measure the angle between the thigh and the shinbone. This measurement can be used to assess the alignment of the knee joint.

4. ADVANTAGES There are several advantages to using an inclinometer in physiotherapy. One advantage is that it is a relatively inexpensive device. Another advantage is that it is easy to use. The inclinometer can be used by physiotherapists and patients alike.

5. DISADVANTAGES There are a few disadvantages to using an inclinometer. One disadvantage is that it can be difficult to measure the ROM of small joints. Another disadvantage is that the inclinometer can be affected by vibrations.

6. For Lumbar Flexion and Extension Using a single mechanical inclinometer, place the middle of the base at T12. Have the patient flex forward keeping the knees straight and at the end-point, bobb up and down several times to remove the slack, then take the measurement. Repeat 2-3x to make sure the inclinometer did not move & some other error did not occur. Place your finger/thumb nail on the dial where the pendulum stops, remove the inclinometer from the patient and have the patient stand up. Read the long lines (10’s), calculate the ROM, and record the number in the “Flexion” column / T12 row. Replace the inclinometer at T12 and repeat this process in extension and record the measurement under the “Extension” column in the T12 row.

7. Repeat the flexion and extension measurements at S1 (upper gluteal fold) and place in the S1 row. Subtract the S1 from the T12 number and place the difference in the “True Lumbar FL / EXT” cell, below the 2 numbers. Record the “true lumbar flexion & extension” on the 2 page, Exercise screen exam form and on the 1 page “Exercise Screen Results” form. Use 2 inclinometers for all other spinal ROM’s (the “normative data” are in parentheses)

8. Cervical spine Inclinometer alignment Palpate following bony landmarks , and align inclinometers accordingly. Ensure that inclinometers are set at 0 degrees once they are positioned on patient. Patient position Sitting erect  After being instructed in motion desired, patient actively flexes cervical spine. Patient then returns to starting position. This movement provides an estimate of ROM and demonstrates to patient exact motion desired