The Effects of Complex Wrist and Forearm Posture on Wrist Range of Motion

Previous research on wrist functionality has focused almost entirely on range of motion (ROM) in 2 or 3 isolated planes (flexion/extension, radial/ulnar deviation, and forearm pronation/supination), without investigating the potential effects of complex wrist/forearm posture on ROM. A quantitative a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Human factors 1999-06, Vol.41 (2), p.205-213
Main Authors: Marshall, Matthew M., Mozrall, Jacqueline R., Shealy, Jasper E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activity levels. Psychomotricity
Adult
Analysis of Variance
Biological and medical sciences
Biomechanical Phenomena
Ergonomics
Female
Forearm - physiology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
Joints
Male
Physiological aspects
Posture
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Psychomotor activities
Range of motion
Range of Motion, Articular
Space life sciences
Wrist
Wrist Joint - physiology
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Summary:Previous research on wrist functionality has focused almost entirely on range of motion (ROM) in 2 or 3 isolated planes (flexion/extension, radial/ulnar deviation, and forearm pronation/supination), without investigating the potential effects of complex wrist/forearm posture on ROM. A quantitative analysis of these effects on wrist ROM was performed. ROM was measured in one plane using both a manual method and an electrogoniometer while the participant maintained a fixed, secondary wrist and forearm posture. The study revealed that combinations of wrist/forearm postures have significant effects on wrist ROM; the largest effects are those of wrist flexion/extension on radial deviation ROM. The study also found that, consistent with previous research, wrist deviation measurements obtained with an electrogoniometer were significantly different from those obtained manually. Biomechanical theories for the results obtained are discussed. This research could be used to enhance ergonomic evaluation techniques by providing a more accurate risk assessment of certain complex wrist postures, particularly those in which wrist flexion/extension is combined with radial deviation.
ISSN:0018-7208
1547-8181
DOI:10.1518/001872099779591178