The effects of complex wrist and forearm posture on wrist range of motion

Previous research on wrist functionality has focused almost entirely on ran ge of motion (ROM) in 2 or 3 isolated planes (flexion/extension, radial/uln ar deviation, and forearm pronation/supination), without investigating the potential effects of complex wrist/forearm posture on ROM. A quantitative a nalysis of these effects on wrist ROM was performed. ROM was measured in on e plane using both a manual method and an electrogoniometer while the parti cipant maintained a fixed, secondary wrist and forearm posture. The study r evealed that combinations of wrist/forearm postures have significant effect s on wrist ROM; the largest effects are those of wrist flexion/extension on radial deviation ROM. The study also found that, consistent with previous research, wrist deviation measurements obtained with an electrogoniometer w ere significantly different from those obtained manually Biomechanical theo ries for the results obtained are discussed. This research could be used to enhance ergonomic evaluation techniques by providing a more accurate risk assessment of certain complex wrist postures, particularly those in which w rist flexion/extension is combined with radial deviation.