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 subjects with no known elbow pathology. Through a case study approach, four subjects with varying elbow pathology and symptoms, were compared with a control group of 10 subjects on four kinematic variables. Results indicated that whereas the overall movement pattern was similiar between the two groups, a trend towards increased devaition occured with increased elbow involvement (as measured using the Morrey elbow evaluation). The total time taken to complete the task increased and the maximum velocity decreased as scores on the Morrey Evaluation decreased. When the minimum flexion angle (maximum extension) used during the activity was compared with the minimum flexion angle avialable, the angle used was consistently 15-20 degrees less than that available. This possible need for a residual range raises questions about the generally accepted belief that activities require between 30-130 degrees of flexion and 100 degrees of rotation.