Normal range of motion (ROM) values vary byjoint.
You have many other joints, some you might not even realize.
Joints are anywhere on your body where your bones, tendons,ligaments, cartilage, and muscles attach.
Most joints allow for a certain amount of movement in one or more directions.
Physical therapists use a rig called agoniometerto measure your ROM.
The unit has two arms with a hinge in the middle.
Your therapist will measure the degree to which you could straighten, bend, or rotate your joint.
You also need to be able to move well enough to exercise and stay healthy.
They can move in many different directions.
Then they’ll compare it to the standard ROM value for that joint.
During your medical history, they’ll ask for your age.
ROM standards differ based on how old you are.
Commonly used ROM values can differ in exact values, depending on the source.
However, they are generally within a similar range.
Below are generally accepted values for a normal ROM for some individual joints as measured in degrees.
Factors Influencing ROM
Two significant factors that can affect your ROM are your age and sex.
Researchers studied the range of motion of eight joints in 40 men and women.
They had the participants do different exercises and measured how far they could move each joint.
They also recorded how long it took them to do each exercise.
The researchers found nearly a 45% difference between the younger and older participants on foot exercises.
The exercises measured the ability to rotate the foot inward and outward.
They say even older adults without joint problems can have a smaller ROM than younger people.
Older people can also take longer to reach their full ROM for any given joint.
Stretching is believed to increase joint flexibility.
The stretching helped improve muscle stiffness in both sexes.
However, it only increased ROM in the women.
Exercising, stretching, and other forms of regular daily movement help you maintain the ROM you have.
One study also found that applying heat while stretching can be helpful.
Participants who used heat during stretching saw a slight improvement in ROM compared to those who stretched without heat.
These exercises take into account the swelling, pain, and stiffness you have.
Knowing what your ROM is can help protect you from an injury.
Many factors can affect ROM, such as your age, sex, injuries, and arthritis.
This article provides generally accepted ROM ranges for joints that it’s possible for you to use for comparison.
If you think you need help, see a doctor and ask about physical therapy.
Physical therapists can prescribe exercises to help increase your ROM.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Reference values for normal joint range of motion.
2019;19(11).
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.Range of motion evaluation chart.
Hwang J, Jung MC.Age and sex differences in ranges of motion and motion patterns.Int J Occup Saf Ergon.
2012;7(1):109-119.
