What is the primary benefit of using a goniometer?

The primary benefit of using a goniometer is to measure joint angles and range of motion. Goniometers are specialized instruments designed to accurately assess how much a joint can move and to what extent—in other words, they provide measurable data on the flexibility and mobility of a joint. This information is essential for practitioners in fields such as sports medicine, physical therapy, and rehabilitation, as it helps to evaluate a patient's condition, track progress over time, and develop appropriate treatment plans tailored to individual needs. Such measurements can inform decisions related to exercises, recovery protocols, and overall mobility assessments, which are crucial for effective rehabilitation and performance improvement.

Other answer choices, like evaluating muscle strength or assessing balance and endurance levels, involve different types of measurements and assessments that do not fall within the specific capabilities of a goniometer. This tool is focused solely on joint positioning rather than strength or endurance metrics.