Article

A problem that is common to the study of upper limb kinematics and gait analysis
is the translation of the evidence from kinematic measurements into easily
interpretable information on the status of the patient, such as the amount of
compensation or lack of motion. In this study parameters that can be helpful in
the rapid and clear identification of limited wrist motion and compensation were
derived from kinematic data. A group of six subjects (group A) with no hand
impairment, average age 32.5 ys SD 10.7 ys, and another group of five subjects
(group B), average age 34.2 ys SD 16.8 ys, having suffered from distal radius
fracture were tested during a cyclic activity of daily living. The activity
simulated page turning. Thorax, shoulder, elbow and wrist angles were measured
during this task using a motion capture system. Corresponding angle ranges were
also calculated. The active range of motion (AROM) found for Group B was
generally lower than that of Group A, particularly for elbow supination and wrist
movements, with wrist flexion/extension statistically smaller for group B
(P=0.02). Additional parameters that took into account lack of movements at the
wrist and compensation from shoulder elevation, rotation and elbow
pronation/supination proved to be more useful at identifying those subjects of
group B outside the normative range and can provide clinicians with a rapid and
efficient tool that can shorten the analysis process and help make more informed
decisions on therapeutic treatments.
CI - Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS