What tool is used to measure range of motion (ROM)?

The goniometer is the specialized tool used to measure the range of motion (ROM) of a joint. It typically has two arms, with one arm being stationary and the other mobile, allowing the user to measure the angle of a joint as it moves through its range of motion. This is crucial in assessing joint flexibility and rehabilitation progress in athletic training and physical therapy.

Using a goniometer provides precise measurements, which can help practitioners evaluate joint function, design appropriate exercise programs, and monitor recovery from injuries. Other tools listed, such as calipers and protractors, may have specific applications in measurement but are not specifically tailored for assessing the range of motion in joints like the goniometer. A thermometer, on the other hand, measures temperature and has no relevance to measuring joint motion.