title: EFFECT OF USING WRIST ORTHOSES ON FOREARM FLEXOR AND EXTENSOR MUSCLE ACTIVATION.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effect of using wrist immobilization orthoses made from different materials, on activation of the flexor and extensor musculature of the forearm while performing specific tasks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-six adults, with an average age of 26.2 years, underwent the Jebsen-Taylor functional hand test and the grip strength test (Jamar(®) dynamometer) under three conditions: free hand, wearing a composite orthosis and wearing a thermoplastic orthosis. The tests were carried out using the dominant hand only. During the tests, surface electrodes were attached to the flexor and extensor muscles of the forearm to record the muscle electrical activity. The results obtained under the three conditions were compared and analyzed using the Wilcoxon statistical test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant differences in muscle activation were found between using the free hand and using any of the orthoses. There was no significant difference in muscle activation between the two types of orthosis. A decrease in activity of the extensor muscles of the forearm was observed during all the tasks, as well as an increase in activation of the flexor muscles with the use of the orthoses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results are important for defining whether an orthosis should be prescribed during the rehabilitation process for a wide range of disorders, such as tendinitis of the flexors and extensors of the wrist and fingers, as well as for predicting the length of time for which these devices should be used.
authors.affiliation: PhD in Mechanical Engineering from UFMG. Department of Occupational Therapy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Adriana Maria Valladão
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Novais Van Petten
authors.affiliation: PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. Postdoctoral title from the University of Arizona. Department of Mechanical Engineering. Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Antônio Ferreira
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Ávila
keywords: Electromyography; Orthopedic devices; Wrist