STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional research design.

INTRODUCTION

Active range of motion (AROM) is used as indicator of hand function. However, functional range of motion (FROM) data are limited, and fail to represent activities of daily living (ADL).

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To estimate dominant hand FROM in flexion, abduction and palmar arching in people under 50 years of age performing ADL.

METHODS

AROMs and hand postures in 24 representative ADL of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) were recorded in 12 men and 12 women. FROM data were reported by activity and ICF area, and compared with AROMs. The relationship between ROM measures to gender and hand size was analyzed by correlation.

RESULTS

FROM was 5° to 28° less than available AROM depending on the joint and movement performed.

DISCUSSION

Joints do not necessarily move through full AROM while performing ADL which has benefits in retaining function despite loss of motion. This may also suggest that ADL alone are insufficient to retain or restore full AROM.

CONCLUSIONS

Therapists should consider FROM requirements and normal AROM when defining hand therapy goals, interventions and evaluating the success of treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N/A.