title: Prediction of the range of hand positions available to a patient with movement restrictions at the joints of the upper limb--a mathematical model.
abstract: A mathematical model has been constructed to predict the workspaces available to patients with reduced ranges of motion at the joints of the upper limb. The model uses the inverse kinematic method of Benati et al. (1982) together with simplified anatomical data. Comparisons with experimental data (Dempster, 1955) show significant discrepancies which are believe to be due to differences in scapular constraint and to simplified anatomical modelling. It is intended to improve the anatomical model by the use of the published data of Eyclesheimer and Shoemaker (1911). Despite the discrepancies, the model already detects significant differences between normal workspaces and those of patients with restriction at the joints of the upper limb. It is believed that this model could, when incorporated with empirical data, form the basis of an "expert" system to assist the therapist and clinician in the planning of rehabilitation of the upper limb.
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000502:physiology; D006225:Hand / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009068:Movement; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000502:physiology; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000502:physiology