Effect of wrist immobilisation on upper limb function of elderly males

Abstract

Nine normal male subjects 60–79 years old participated in a study of the effect of wrist immobilisation on upper limb function. An upper limb measurement system using the Motion Analysis System, Expertvision™ was developed and used to quantify and describe the three dimensional movement of subjects during performance on the Jebsen Hand Function Test. Comparisons were made of time, and range of upper limb movement between the free and immobilised wrist condition. Results revealed statistically significant increases in the time taken and the total degree of shoulder motion used, as well as significant decreases in the total elbow motion during the immobilised condition. Results also showed great variation in the effect of wrist immobilisation on upper limb joints. The results reinforce the need for occupational therapists to evaluate the upper limb as an entity and to evaluate each client on an individual basis when immobilising the wrist. The upper limb measurement system in this study provides future direction for research methodology that can analyse the effects of orthotic intervention on everyday occupational performance.