Regarding warm-up attempts before measuring extremity range of motion, is it correct to require three warm-up attempts?

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The main idea is improving the reliability of the ROM measurement. A short warm-up helps the tissues and muscles relax, increases blood flow, and reduces guarding, so the motion you measure reflects the limb’s true available range rather than a stiff or painful starting point.

Requiring three warm-up attempts gives the patient a chance to acclimate and lets the tester assess consistency across attempts. The first try is often influenced by unfamiliarity or initial guarding, while the later attempts tend to reveal the patient’s true end range. Having three repetitions standardizes the process, reduces random error, and makes measurements more comparable across patients and sessions.

This isn’t about athletes specifically; the goal is dependable data for any patient. Saying it isn’t necessary or that it applies only to athletes doesn’t support the goal of consistent, accurate ROM assessment.