Abstract:

Independence in mobility is dependent on the ability to rise from a chair. Elbow kinematics of subjects with rheumatoid arthritis were compared to those of subjects with no known elbow pathology. Through a case study approach four subjects with varying with varying elbow pathology and symptoms were compared with a control group of ten subjects on four kinematics variables. Results indicated that whereas the overall movement pattern pattern was similar between the two groups a trend towards increased deviation occurred with increased elbow involvement. The total time time taken to complete the task increased and the maximum velocity decreasedas scores on the Morrey Evaluation decreased. When the minimum flexion angle used during the activity was compared with the minimum flexion angle available, the angle used was consistently 15 degrees to 20 degrees less than that available. This possible need for a residual range raises questions about the generally accepted belief that activities require about 30 degrees to 130 degrees of flexion and 100 degrees of rotation.