Dynamic range of motion

Range of motion (ROM) is defined as the maximum possible range of motion within the physiologically imposed limits of the joints, tendon and ligament structures as well as the conformation and physiological action of the muscles involved. It is therefore an index of joint flexibility. ROM is typically measured by the number of degrees a segment of the body completes from the starting position to the final position, along its full arc of motion. Dynamic ROM training helps stretch muscles with an emphasis on strength and speed, while increasing the flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body. Flexibility can therefore be improved through a combination of active and passive exercises and mobility work should be continued even when the desired degree is reached: by forgoing the appropriate exercises, the ROM obtained indeed regresses quite quickly.

Some of the various internal (body) elements that influence joint flexibility include the elasticity and length of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin, a muscle's ability to relax and contract, and temperature of the joint and associated tissues. The external influences, on the other hand, are given by the temperature of the place of training, the time of day, age, sex and the presence of fatty tissue which constitutes an obstacle to movement.

In general, joint ROM is a fundamental part of human movement. To move efficiently and without special effort, the ROM must be maximum for each joint. In addition, proper ROM makes it easier for the joint to adapt to the stresses to which the body is subjected and reduces the potential risk of trauma and sprains. However, following accidents, it is very often difficult to restore the previous joint situation, and during a rehabilitation process it is therefore essential to measure the improvements obtained in terms of degrees. To this end, the Gyko inertial sensor can be used very simply and quickly to monitor joint flexibility and dynamic ROM over time. It not only provides the angle measurement, but also information on the fluidity and speed of the movement performed (see figure 1). The different bands allow it to be positioned in different areas of the body, thus allowing the measurement of each joint.

Figure 1 Image shows a screenshot of GykoRepower software during a shoulder range of motion test. The data obtained are ROM in degrees, smoothness of movement and speed.