How to Measure the Range of Motion of Wrist Supination

Wrist supination is a movement involving the forearm which turns the palm up. Normal range of motion of wrist supination is between 80 and 90 degrees from a neutral position where the hand is facing towards the body with the thumb up, parallel to the arm. Active or passive measurements of forearm or wrist supination are taken with a tool called a goniometer, an instrument which measures angles. Active range of motion requires the client to move the joint through the available movement, whereas passive range of motion is performed by the medical specialist and does not incorporate muscle activity.

Things You'll Need

• Goniometer

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Instructions

Measuring Wrist Supination

• 1

  Position the arm against the body with the elbow flexed and forearm in neutral with the hand parallel to body, thumb up.

• 2

  Position the goniometer with both levers together vertically against the wrist.

• 3

  Rotate the hand so the palm is facing upward.

• 4

  Move the measurement lever of the goniometer to rest against the top of the wrist. Stabilize the second lever in the neutral position.

• 5

  Read and record the angle measurement.