Biomechanics Blog Post #2

The use of bony landmarks is important to measuring range of motion because there needs to be a stabilized place to start the measurement. The use of bony landmarks improve interrator reliability so you can do repeated measures.  Palpating the landmarks is important because it tells you where to put the instruments. You don't want the goniometer to be on a place that isn't stable. The fulcrum is the part of the goniometer that needs to align with the bony landmark to produce the most accurate range. You also use the bony landmarks to measure circumference. The purpose of a test position is because the muscle is placed for optimal muscle contraction there. When the body or a part of the body is parallel to the floor, it is considered to be in a gravity-eliminated position. A gravity-eliminated position is relevant because the Manual Muscle Test grading will change depending on if the gravity-eliminated position is in play or not. It would need to be noted when doing one's occupational profile if the client was standing a certain way that would put one or more body parts parallel to the floor. For example, elbow extension while in anatomical position is a form of a gravity-eliminated position and could be done to test range of motion instead of extending against gravity. The therapist could suggest this movement if the client experiences pain while getting the range of motion against gravity. It's possible that an incorrect recording will be taken if the range of motion isn't measured accurately and this could effect the plan the occupational therapist constructs for the client. If the client is too weak, then the the gravity-eliminated position is recommended. You are still able to get a score but you move to this position because if you stayed in an against-gravity position, you wouldn't get an accurate muscle test score.