Department of Biomedical Engineering

Riphah College of Science & Technology

Faculty of Engineering & Applied Sciences
Riphah International University, Lahore.

Program: B.Sc. Biomedical engineering Semester: IV

Subject: BM-214 Biomechanics Date: ……………….

Experiment No 10: To measure the Arc Length and Angle for the extension of arm
with help of Goniometer
OBJECTIVES:
• The objective of this lab is to allow the students to understand the working principle of Goniometer and
with thehelp of Goniometer, study how much extension occurs in the arm of a student.

Name & Roll Number: ….…………………………………………………………

No. Lab Evaluation Scheme Obtained

Marks

1 Understanding and Ability to Conduct Experiment. (0-5)

2 Subject Knowledge & Data Analysis (0-5)
Total
No. Lab Report Scheme Obtained
Marks

1 Report Content & Structure (0-5)

2 Output Presentation and Conclusion/Results (0-5)
Total

Remarks (if any): ………………………………….

Name & Signature of faculty: …………………………………

Theory
Goniometer:
A goniometer is an instrument that either measures the angle or allows an object to be rotated to a precise angular
position. Goniometer derives from the two Greek words means “Angle” and “Measure”.
Principle of Goniometer:
A goniometer is a device used to measure Joint’s Range of Motion (ROM), at specific points on the body with
the center of the goniometer aligned at the joint of interest. This allows the therapist to precisely measure ROM
in degrees or radian.
Advantages/Benefits:
The main advantage of goniometer is in Rehabilitative therapy, physical therapy. Goniometer plays very
important role in Athletic Training. A goniometer measures range of motion of limbs and joints of the body.
These measurements help accurately track progress in a rehabilitation program. Moreover it is helpful to study
the gait cycle of patients and compare it with normal person.

Figure 1: Goniometer Figure 2: Arm extension Measurement with the Help of Goniometer.

Procedure
1. A Goniometer was taken and adjusted on the student arm with the help of Cuffs.
2. Goniometer wire was attached with the laptop to synchronize it with Capstone (software).
3. Measurement scales were set to Angle (radian) and Time (s).
4. Student arm was adjusted in such a way that initial angle was 90o (degree) or 1.5 Radian.
5. Pen or board marker was held by student and then student extend his/her arm.
6. An arc was drawn on white board.
7. On the other hand, automatic readings of angle (radian) at different positions were given by Goniometer
and angle of extension was noted.
8. Radius (distance from the elbow joint to the beginning of arc) was measured with the help of string. From
angle calculated by Goniometer and radius, theoretical value of arc length was calculated.
9. A string was taken and matched along the arc to measure the arc length. It was the actual value of the arc
length. Both theoretical and actual value of arc length was compared to check the difference in
measurements.
10. We can also calculate the actual angle from the actual arc length (θ =s/r) and compare it with theoretical
angle.
11. Readings were taken and observations were made.
Observation/Analysis
Angle measured through Goniometer (θ) = … rad.
(θ) =s/r
Theoretically measured Length of Arc = 0.24m
Actual Length of Arc = 0.45m
Difference = 0.2m

Discussion

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Conclusion

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Precautions
• Place the goniometer and laptop on a separate table so that readings are not distorted
• Make sure that the apparatus may not fall accidentally because it is very sensitive and may be damaged
• Follow the lab ethics