The impact of reacher length on electromyography activity and task.
BACKGROUND
Reachers are common assistive devices prescribed to help individuals carry out their day-to day activities.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of muscle activity in the arm and forearm when using two commercially available reachers of different lengths.


METHODS
Fifteen women between the ages of 23 and 25 performed a reaching activity that simulated moving a soup can from a cupboard to a counter. Surface electromyography was used to measure the muscle activity in the arm and forearm and to gain an understanding of the relative contributions of different muscles when using the short-handled reach in comparison to the long-handled reacher.


RESULTS
The results showed no significant differences between the short and the long reacher conditions for any of the muscles investigated. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. The length of a reacher does not necessarily affect the amount of muscle strength required in some muscles and may not be a major factor in the therapist's choice of reacher length.
Pinkston
Nicole E
NE
Northern Lights Regional Health Services, Fort McMurray, AB.
Boersma
Amy J
AJ
Spaulding
Sandi J
SJ
D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology; D004576:Electromyography; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009048:Motor Skills; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis