EXAMINING THE ELBOW DURING FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Elbow range of motion during functional activities was investigated using electrogoniometry, telemetry, and computer analysis. Five subjects awaiting elbow arthroplasty on rheumatoid arthritic elbows were compared to a control group. Differences (p ≤ .05) were found between the two groups on standing and telephone tests. The minimum angle (extreme extension) and the total arc of motion were significantly less in the group with arthritis. During the standing test the median extension angle was 35° for the group with rheumatoid arthritis and 15° for the control group, and for the telephone test the angles were 95° and 75°, respectively. The experimental group did not consistently use their available range, but used movement patterns in a limited range. The information generated in the study has implications in the treatment of clients with rheumatoid arthritis.