Final answer:
A goniometer is the instrument used to measure the flexion and extension of joints, essential for health professionals to assess and track joint mobility.
Step-by-step explanation:
The instrument used to measure the flexion and extension or joint Range of Motion (ROM) is called a goniometer. A goniometer can be either rigid or flexible and is utilized to assess the ROM in a variety of joints, including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, fingers, thumb, hip, and knee.
The value of understanding and accurately measuring joint ROM is essential in fields such as physical therapy, rehabilitation, and sports medicine to ensure proper joint function and to aid in the recovery of joint mobility post-injury or surgery.
When assessing joint ROM, the goniometer is aligned with the joint axis, and the arms are positioned along the body segments corresponding to the joint being measured. By observing the alignment of the goniometer and the angle formed at the joint, healthcare professionals or researchers can quantify the degree of flexion or extension.