Upper extremity coordination strategies depending on task demand during a basic daily activity.
Injury conditions affecting the upper extremity may lead to severe functional impairment and an accurate evaluation is needed in order to select the most effective treatment in a rehabilitation program. This study focused on simultaneous electromyographic and kinematic analysis to assess movement patterns of upper extremity during a basic daily activity, considering different demands existing within the task. Twenty-five healthy subjects, average age 19.8 ys SD 1.7 ys, with no upper extremity impairment, were assessed by means of electromyography (EMG) and a 3D motion capture system while performing a task that required reach, transport and release. Integrated EMG (iEMG), timing of muscle onset and active range of motion (AROM) were calculated for each subject. Data were compared within each phase and between the three phases and a repeated measure ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. We found early activation of upper trapezius associated with high activity of serratus anterior for proximal stability while anterior deltoid and triceps brachii performed shoulder flexion and elbow extension, in Reach phase. In Transport phase there was early and higher activation of upper trapezius, higher muscle activity of almost all muscles and increased AROM of all joints. No change in flexion/extension wrist posture with increased forearm muscles activity were identified as the main control strategy to keep optimal grasping. Triceps brachii was found to act as an important synergist in shoulder abduction and extension in free load conditions. Such information can lead clinicians to more specific assessment and subsequent better intervention in upper extremity rehabilitation.
Department of Biomechanics, Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor Apparatus, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Bandeirantes, Av. 3900, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: flavia.macedo@usp.br.
Flávia Pessoni F M
FP
Ricci
Laboratory of Biomechanics and Motor Control, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Bandeirantes, Av. 3900, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: paulosantiago@usp.br.
Paulo Roberto Pereira
PR
Santiago
Department of Biomechanics, Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor Apparatus, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Bandeirantes, Av. 3900, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: ana.carolina.zampar@usp.br.
Ana Carolina
AC
Zampar
Department of Biomechanics, Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor Apparatus, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Bandeirantes, Av. 3900, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: livia_399@hotmail.com.
Lívia Nahas
LN
Pinola
Department of Biomechanics, Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor Apparatus, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Bandeirantes, Av. 3900, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: marisa@fmrp.usp.br.
Marisa de Cássia Registro
Mde C
Fonseca
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000502:physiology; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000502:physiology; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
Activities of daily living; Electromyography; Evaluation; Kinematic analysis; Performance test; Upper extremity