This is done by a special protractor, or estimated by one’s eyes. The degrees that the affected joint can flex, extend and rotate are recorded, and then compared with those of the healthy joint. If the degrees are smaller than those of the healthy joint, it is a functional disturbance of joint movement. The method of neutral position as 0° is used for recording the movement degree of joint. For these parts whose angles are difficult to measure accurately, the range of relative movement of joint is recorded by measuring the length. For example, for anterior flexion of cervical spine, the distance between the chin and the manubrium sterni is measured; for anterior flexion of lumbar spine, the distance from the top of middle finger hanging down to the ground is measured. The ranges of functional movement of various joints are as follows.

Neck:
The neutral position is to keep the face forward with the eyes looking straight ahead. The angle for anteflexion is 35° to 45°; for retroextension it is 35° to 45°; for left or right sideflexion it is 45°; and for left or right turn it is 60° to 80°.
 
Waist:
The neutral positron is to stand erectly with the waist stretched naturally. The angle for anteflexion is 90°; for retroextension it is 30°; for left or right sideflexion it is 30°; and for left or right turn it is 30°.

Shoulder joint:
The neutral position is to keep the upper limbs dropping. The angle for anteflexion is 90°; for retroextension it is 45°; for abduction it is 90°; for adduction it is 20°to 40° (the tip of elbow reaches the ventral median line); for intorsion it is 80°; for extorsion it is 30°; and for lifting up it is 90°.

Elbow joint:
The neutral position is to keep the elbow straightened. The angle for flexion is 140°; for hyperextension it is 0° to 10°; for pronation (with the palm downward) it is 90°; and for supination (with the palm upward) it is 90°.

Wrist joint:
The neutral position is to keep the hand and the forearm in a straight line with the palm downward. The angle for dorsoflexion is 35° to 60°; for palmoflexion it is 50° to 60°; for radial deviation it is 25°to 30°; and for ulnar deviation it is 30° to 40°.

Hip joint:
The neutral position is to keep the hip straightened with the patella upward. The angle for flexion is 145°, for retroextension it is 40°; for abduction it is 30° to 45°; for adduction it is 20°to 30°; for extorsion it is 40°; and for intorsion it is 40°.

Knee joint:
The neutral position is to keep the knee straightened. The angle for flexion is 145° and for hyperextension it is 10°.

Ankle joint:
The neutral position is to keep the foot and the leg at the angle of 90°. The angle for dorsoflexion is 20° to 30° and for plantar flexion it is 40° to 50°.