Accuracy and feasibility of using an electrogoniometer for measuring simple thumb movements

• The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy and feasibility of using an electrogoniometer (Model SG 110; Biometrics, Gwent, UK) for measuring simple thumb movements. Thumb disorders have been associated with the use of hand held devices such as mobile phones and these devices have become an integral part of modern life. In 15 young subjects, the measurements of eight flexion/extension (Flex/Ext) and adduction/abduction (Ad/Ab) thumb positions were compared between a thumb-mounted electrogoniometer and manual goniometer (which was taken as the benchmark). Group mean electrogoniometric measurement errors were below 4 degrees and 5 degrees for Ad/Ab and Flex/Ext measurements, respectively. During mobile phone use, the electrogoniometers measured differences in maximal joint angle postures, which appeared to be related to differences in mobile phone size. High movement velocities may increase the risk of musculoskeletal injury and the results indicated that Ad/Ab movements were twice the speed of Flex/Ext movements during mobile phone use. Electrogoniometers have utility for studying thumb movements during mobile phone use and may be used to evaluate other thumb-based input devices.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Arbetsmedicin och miljömedicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Occupational Health and Environmental Health (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Folkhälsovetenskap, global hälsa, socialmedicin och epidemiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology (hsv//eng)

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Medicinteknik -- Medicinsk laboratorie- och mätteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Medical Engineering -- Medical Laboratory and Measurements Technologies (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Adult

*Arthrometry

Articular

Biomechanics

Cumulative Trauma Disorders/*etiology

Feasibility Studies

Female

Hand/*physiology

Human Engineering/*instrumentation

Humans

Male

Movement/*physiology

Posture/*physiology

Thumb/*physiology

*Upper Extremity

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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