In assessing an elderly patient’s joint function, which test would be essential for determining range of motion?

The use of a goniometer measurement is essential for determining the range of motion in an elderly patient’s joints. A goniometer is a precise tool specifically designed to measure angles of joint movement, allowing the practitioner to quantify the degrees of motion present in each joint. This can help assess any limitations or restrictions in mobility, which is particularly important in elderly patients who may have conditions affecting their joint function, such as arthritis or general declines in physical activity.

Manual muscle testing, functional movement screening, and strength testing serve different purposes. While they provide valuable information about muscle strength and overall functional ability, they do not directly measure the specific range of motion of a joint. Therefore, the goniometer measurement stands out as the most appropriate test for assessing the range of motion.