Which statement about three warm-up attempts before ROM measurement is correct?

• A. They are unnecessary
• B. They should be performed three times
• C. They should be performed only for upper extremities
• D. They are optional for athletes

Answer: (B)

Starting ROM measurement with a brief warm-up is about reducing the influence of muscle guarding and joint stiffness so the measurement reflects the joint’s true range. Doing three warm-up attempts helps the person move more smoothly through the motion and allows tissues to loosen, making the measurement more reliable. The third attempt often best represents the accessible ROM after warming up, while the first two serve as acclimation and help minimize reflexive resistance. This approach also guards against underestimating ROM due to stiffness or guarding, and it keeps fatigue from obscuring the result. The idea that warm-ups are unnecessary, only for upper extremities, or optional for athletes isn’t consistent with standard practice, since a short warm-up improves accuracy for all joints and populations.