Static dynamometer for the measurement of multidirectional forces exerted by the thumb |
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Authors: | Dr D Bourbonnais P Duval |
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Institution: | (1) School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Succ. A, C.P. 6128 Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3C 3J7;(2) Research Center, Montreal Rehabilitation Institute, 6300 Darlington Avenue, H3S 2J4 Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
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Abstract: | The functioning of a static dynamometer designed to measure simultaneous forces exerted by the thumb in the vertical and horizontal
axes is described. The analysis of the output signals by a desktop computer program provides information regarding the forces
generated in eight directions covering a plane transverse to the thumb by 45° increments. In 12 normal female subjects, the
maximum voluntary torques exerted at the trapezo-metacarpal joint of the thumb were examined and the muscle activation patterns
of the interosseus, flexor pollicis brevis and adductor pollicis brevis muscles were recorded in one subject. Torques and
muscle activation patterns were depicted using polar plots. Dynamometric data indicate that strength varies with direction
and that higher torques are obtained in directions that bring the thumb towards the palm, i.e. flexion, adduction, combined
flexion-adduction and extension-adduction. Patterns of muscle activity vary according to the direction evaluated suggesting
that strength depends on the number of activated muscles as well as the relative force contribution of each muscle. |
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Keywords: | Dynamometry Evaluation Hand Strength Thumb |
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