title: 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 and flexor digitorum superficialis during a handwriting task with two groups of subjects using different grasp patterns.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-four university students (thirteen males and eleven females; mean age of 22.04±2.8years) 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors: Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Ceilândia, DF, Brazil. pedroalmeida.to@gmail.com
authors: Pedro Henrique Tavares Queiroz
authors: PH
authors: de Almeida
authors: Daniel Marinho Cezar
authors: DM
authors: da Cruz
authors: Luis Alberto
authors: LA
authors: Magna
authors: Iracema Serrat Vergotti
authors: IS
authors: Ferrigno
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000502:physiology*; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D006236:Handwriting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*