Measuring Devices for Studying Joint Mobility in the Normal Population

Abstract

Fixed torque screwdrivers were used to develop instruments for measuring joint mobility for epidemiological studies. The composite movements of forearm and lower limb rotation were measured by such devices and the results compared with a previously described similar device for index finger hyperextension. The magnitude of the intra-observer variation for all movements was very low and thus highlighted the potential value of these devices for population studies.