Article

The loss of range of motion (ROM) in the upper extremities can interfere with
activities of daily living (ADL) and, therefore, many interventions focus on
improving impaired ROM.
The question, however, is what joint angles are needed to
naturally perform ADL. The present review aimed to compile and synthesize data
from literature on shoulder and elbow angles that unimpaired participants used
when performing ADL tasks.
A search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus,
CINAHL, and PEDro. Studies were eligible when shoulder (flexion, extension,
abduction, adduction) and/or elbow (flexion, extension) angles were measured in
unimpaired participants who were naturally performing ADL tasks, and angles were
provided per task. Thirty-six studies involving a total of 66 ADL tasks were
included. Results demonstrated that unimpaired participants used up to full elbow
flexion (150 degrees ) in personal care, eating, and drinking tasks. For shoulder
flexion and abduction approximately 130 degrees was necessary. Specific ADL tasks
were measured often, however, almost never for tasks such as dressing. The
synthesized information can be used to interpret impairments on the individual
level and to establish rehabilitation goals in terms of function and prevention
of secondary conditions due to excessive use of compensatory movements.

Langue : ANGLAIS