An electromyographic analysis of two handwriting grasp patterns

Abstract Background Handwriting is a fundamental skill needed for the development of daily-life activities during lifetime and can be performed using different forms to hold the writing object. In this study, we monitored the sEMG activity of trapezius, biceps brachii, extensor carpi radialis brevis...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of electromyography and kinesiology 2013-08, Vol.23 (4), p.838-843
Main Authors: Almeida, Pedro Henrique Tavares Queiroz de, Cruz, Daniel Marinho Cezar da, Magna, Luis Alberto, Ferrigno, Iracema Serrat Vergotti
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Electromyography
Electromyography - methods
Female
Hand - physiology
Hand Strength - physiology
Handwriting
Humans
Male
Movement - physiology
Muscle activity
Muscle Contraction - physiology
Muscle, Skeletal - physiology
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Psychomotor Performance - physiology
Upper limb
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Summary:Abstract Background Handwriting is a fundamental skill needed for the development of daily-life activities during lifetime and can be performed using different forms to hold the writing object. In this study, we monitored the sEMG activity of trapezius, biceps brachii, extensor carpi radialis brevis and flexor digitorum superficialis during a handwriting task with two groups of subjects using different grasp patterns. Subjects and methods Twenty-four university students (thirteen males and eleven females; mean age of 22.04 ± 2.8 years) were included in this study. We randomly invited 12 subjects that used the Dynamic Tripod grasp and 12 subjects that used the Static Tripod grasp. Results The static tripod group showed statistically significant changes in the sEMG activity of trapezium and biceps brachii muscles during handwriting when compared to dynamic tripod group’s subjects. No significant differences were found in extensor carpi radialis brevis and flexor digitorum superficialis activities among the two groups. Conclusion The findings in this study suggest an increased activity of proximal muscles among subjects using a transitional grasp, indicating potential higher energy expenditure and muscular harm with the maintenance of this motor pattern in handwriting tasks, especially during the progression in academic life.
ISSN:1050-6411
1873-5711
DOI:10.1016/j.jelekin.2013.04.004