Assessment of Muscle Activity and Joint Angles in Small-Handed Pianists: A Pilot Study on the 7/8-Sized Keyboard versus the Full-Sized Keyboard

2006 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-9
Author(s):  
B G Wristen ◽  
M C Jung ◽  
A K G Wismer ◽  
M S Hallbeck
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Wrist Flexion ◽  
Joint Angles ◽  
Ulnar Deviation ◽  
Surface Electrodes ◽  
Musical Excerpt ◽  
Muscle Loading ◽  
Maximal Angle ◽  
Flexion And Extension

This pilot study examined whether the use of a 7/8 keyboard contributed to the physical ease of small-handed pianists as compared with the conventional piano keyboard. A secondary research question focused on the progression of physical ease in pianists making the transition from one keyboard to the other. For the purposes of this study, a hand span of 8 inches or less was used to define a “small-handed” pianist. The goal was to measure muscle loading and hand span during performance of a specified musical excerpt. For data collection, each of the two participants was connected to an 8-channel electromyography system via surface electrodes, which were attached to the upper back/shoulder, parts of the hand and arm, and masseter muscle of the jaw. Subjects also were fitted with electrogoniometers to capture how the span from the first metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint to the fifth MCP joint moves according to performance demands, as well as wrist flexion and extension and radial and ulnar deviation. We found that small-handed pianists preferred the smaller keyboard and were able to transition between it and the conventional keyboard. The maximal angle of hand span while playing a difficult piece was about 5º smaller radially and 10º smaller ulnarly for the 7/8 keyboard, leading to perceived ease and better performance as rated by the pianists.

Muscular Forces and Joint Angles in Small-Handed Pianists: A Pilot Study on the 7/8 Size Keyboard versus the Full Size Keyboard

2005 ◽  
Vol 49 (18) ◽  
pp. 1752-1756
Author(s):  
B.G. Wristen ◽  
A.K.G. Wismer ◽  
M.-C Jung ◽  
M.S. Hallbeck
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Masseter Muscle ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Wrist Flexion ◽  
Joint Angles ◽  
Ulnar Deviation ◽  
Surface Electrodes ◽  
Muscle Loading ◽  
Maximal Angle ◽  
Flexion And Extension

This pilot study examined whether the use of a 7/8 keyboard contributed to the physical ease of small-handed pianists in comparison with the conventional piano keyboard. A secondary research question focused on the transition from one keyboard to the other. For the purposes of this study, we adopted David Steinbuhler's postulated hand span of 8 inches or less as defining a “small-handed' pianist. The goal was to measure muscle loading and hand span during performance of the excerpt. Data collection included each participant being monitored using electromyography via surface electrodes, which were attached to the upper back/shoulder, parts of the hand and arm, and the masseter muscle of the jaw. Subjects were also fitted with electrogoniometers to capture how the span from the first metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint to the fifth MCP joint moved according to performance demands, as well as recording wrist flexion and extension, radial and ulnar deviation. The findings were that small-handed pianists preferred the smaller keyboard and were able to transition smoothly between it and the conventional keyboard. The maximal angle of hand span while playing a difficult piece averaged about 5° smaller on the radial side and 10° smaller on the ulnar side for the 7/8 keyboard, leading to perceived comfort (ease) and better performance as rated by the subjects.

Design of a Wearable 3-DOF Forearm Exoskeleton for Rehabilitation and Assistive Purposes

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junghee Lee ◽  
Pinhas Ben-Tzvi
Keyword(s):  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Human Hand ◽  
Direct Drive ◽  
Wrist Flexion ◽  
Ulnar Deviation ◽  
System A ◽  
Arm Rehabilitation ◽  
Dynamic Analyses ◽  
Three Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Flexion And Extension

This paper presents the design and analysis of a portable forearm exoskeleton designed for rehabilitation and assistive purposes (FE.RAP). The design uses a direct-drive mechanism to actuate three degrees of freedom (DOFs) of the wrist, including: (1) wrist flexion and extension, (2) wrist radial and ulnar deviation, and (3) forearm supination and pronation. In recent decades, automated at-home recovery therapies have emerged as popular alternatives to hospital-based rehabilitation. Often in the case of lower arm rehabilitation, however, existing exoskeletons are not practical to use as home rehabilitation devices due to being non-transportable, bulky in size, and heavy in weight. In addition, compact sized exoskeletons often lack sufficient DOFs to mirror the natural movements of the hand. This paper proposes a design that addresses the drawbacks of current exoskeletons. The FE.RAP is designed to be portable and lightweight, while maintaining sufficient DOFs to help patients recover the range of motion needed by the wrist and forearm to support activities of daily living (ADL). Along with the design, the paper presents an analysis used to optimize the workspace for each DOF of the system. A kinematic analysis is performed to validate and compare the workspace of the system, as well as the coupling relationship between the DOFs, to that of the human hand and wrist. Finally, the torque required to support most ADLs is determined using static and dynamic analyses.

scholarly journals The Effect of Locking out Wrist Flexion and Extension with an Upper Body Exoskeleton on Handgun Training

2017 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 1499-1503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas M. Schnieders ◽  
Richard T. Stone ◽  
Erik Danford-Klein ◽  
Tyler Oviatt
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Robotic Control ◽  
Wrist Flexion ◽  
Ulnar Deviation ◽  
Arctic Lawe ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Flexion And Extension

The second version of The Armed Robotic Control for Training in Civilian Law Enforcement, or ARCTiC LawE is presented in this paper. The ARCTiC LawE is an upper body exoskeleton designed to assist in training civilians, military, and law enforcement personnel. This second iteration tests the effect of locking out wrist flexion and extension for handgun training in addition to locking out the radial and ulnar deviation from the first version of The ARCTiC LawE. The experimental group scored significantly higher than the control group at 21 feet and 45 feet over a two-week period. The training occurred in week one and testing occurred in week two. This study lays the groundwork for continued research on transfer of training effectiveness with the ARCTiC LawE.

Pronated Grip View With Wrist Deviation: A Pilot Study on the Effect on Ulnocarpal Relationships

Hand ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 155894472110289
Author(s):  
Anthony L. Logli ◽  
Beth A. Schueler ◽  
Laurel A. Littrell ◽  
Sanjeev Kakar
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Coronal Plane ◽  
Ulnar Deviation ◽  
Radial Deviation ◽  
Wrist Position ◽  
Standardized Protocol ◽  
Ulnar Impaction ◽  
Lunate Surface ◽  
Adult Volunteers

Background We hypothesize that different positions of the wrist in the coronal plane makes the carpus susceptible to ulnar impaction. Methods We prospectively enrolled 10 adult volunteers and obtained fluoroscopic images of each wrist in 12 different positions using a standardized protocol. Distances from the ulna to the lunate (UL) and ulna to the triquetrum (UT) were digitally measured as was the portion of the lunate surface area that was uncovered (LUR) with wrist deviation. Results A wrist position of Pronation, Neutral Deviation, and Grip (P-ND-G) significantly shortened the ulnocarpal distance when compared to a position of Neutral Rotation, Neutral Deviation, and No Grip (NR-ND-NG). Radial deviation during pronation and gripping (Pronated, Radial Deviation, Gripping [P-RD-G]) resulted in the lowest mean UL distance (1.2 mm). UT distance was minimized by a position of ulnar deviation during a pronated grip (Pronated, Ulnar Deviation, Gripping [P-UD-G]) (3.1 mm). The lunate becomes more uncovered with radial deviation. Conclusion Radial deviation minimizes the UL distance while ulnar deviation minimizes the UT distance during a wrist position of pronation and gripping. Further, there is more proximal lunate surface area uncoverage during all positions of radial deviation compared to ulnar deviation.

Detection of effort maximality in adults performing isokinetic wrist flexion and extension

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Mercè Torra ◽  
Eduard Pujol ◽  
Anna Maiques ◽  
Salvador Quintana ◽  
Roser Garreta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Velocity ◽  
Healthy Male ◽  
Wrist Flexion ◽  
Low Velocity ◽  
Wrist Extensor ◽  
Submaximal Effort ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Muscle Groups ◽  
Maximal Effort ◽  
Flexion And Extension

BACKGROUND: The difference between isokinetic eccentric to concentric strength ratios at high and low velocities (DEC) is a powerful tool for identifying submaximal effort in other muscle groups but its efficiency in terms of the wrist extensors (WE) and flexors (WF) isokinetic effort has hitherto not been studied. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study is to examine the usefulness of the DEC for identifying suboptimal wrist extensor and flexor isokinetic efforts. METHODS: Twenty healthy male volunteers aged 20–40 years (28.5 ± 3.2) were recruited. Participants were instructed to exert maximal and feigned efforts, using a range of motion of 20∘ in concentric (C) and eccentric (E) WE and WF modes at two velocities: 10 and 40∘/s. E/C ratios (E/CR) where then calculated and finally DEC by subtracting low velocity E/CR from high velocity ones. RESULTS: Feigned maximal effort DEC values were significantly higher than their maximal effort counterparts, both for WF and WE. For both actions, a DEC cutoff level to detect submaximal effort could be defined. The sensitivity of the DEC was 71.43% and 62.5% for WE ad WF respectively. The specificity was 100% in both cases. CONCLUSION: The DEC may be a valuable parameter for detecting feigned maximal WF and WE isokinetic effort in healthy adults.

Traumatic Brachial Plexus Palsy in Children: Long-Term Outcome and Strategy of Reconstruction

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarek A. El-Gammal ◽  
Amr El-Sayed ◽  
Mohamed M. Kotb ◽  
Waleed Riad Saleh ◽  
Yasser Farouk Ragheb ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Hand Function ◽  
Functional Restoration ◽  
Shoulder Abduction ◽  
Wrist Flexion ◽  
Term Outcome ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Age At Surgery ◽  
Flexion And Extension

Abstract Background Traumatic brachial plexus injuries in children represent a definite spectrum of injuries between adult and neonatal brachial plexus injuries. Their characteristics have been scarcely reported in the literature. The priority of functional restoration is not clear. Materials and Methods In total, 52 children with surgically treated traumatic brachial plexus injuries, excluding Erb's palsy, were reviewed after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. All children except nine were males, with an average age at surgery of 8 years. Forty-five children had exclusive supraclavicular plexus injuries. Twenty-one of them (46%) had two or more root avulsions. Seven children (13.5%) had infraclavicular plexus injuries. Time from trauma to surgery varied from 1 to 15 months (mean = 4.7 months). Extraplexal neurotization was the most common surgical technique used. Results Shoulder abduction and external rotation were restored to an average of 83 and 26 degrees, respectively. Elbow flexion and extension were restored to grade ≥3 in 96 and 91.5% of cases, respectively. Finger flexion and extension were restored to grade ≥4 in 29 and 32% of cases, respectively. Wrist flexion and extension were restored to grade ≥4 in 21 and 27% of cases, respectively. Results of neurotization were superior to those of neurolysis and nerve grafting. Among the 24 children with insensate hands, 20 (83.3%) recovered S3 sensation, 3 recovered S2, and 1 recovered S1. No case complained of neuropathic pain. Functional recovery correlated negatively but insignificantly with the age at surgery and time from injury to surgery. Conclusion Brachial plexus injuries in children are associated with a high incidence root avulsions and no pain. Neurotization is frequently required and the outcome is not significantly affected by the delay in surgery. In total plexus injuries, some useful hand function can be restored, and management should follow that of obstetric palsy and be focused on innervating the medial cord.

scholarly journals Joint-Specific Play Controller for Upper Extremity Therapy: Feasibility Study in Children With Wrist Impairment

2016 ◽  
Vol 96 (11) ◽  
pp. 1773-1781
Author(s):  
Bethany J. Wilcox ◽  
Megan M. Wilkins ◽  
Benjamin Basseches ◽  
Joel B. Schwartz ◽  
Karen Kerman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Computer Games ◽  
Average Frequency ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Wrist Flexion ◽  
Motor Impairments ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Play Activity ◽  
Play Session ◽  
Flexion And Extension

Abstract Background Challenges with any therapeutic program for children include the level of the child's engagement or adherence. Capitalizing on one of the primary learning avenues of children, play, the approach described in this article is to develop therapeutic toy and game controllers that require specific and repetitive joint movements to trigger toy/game activation. Objective The goal of this study was to evaluate a specially designed wrist flexion and extension play controller in a cohort of children with upper extremity motor impairments (UEMIs). The aim was to understand the relationship among controller play activity, measures of wrist and forearm range of motion (ROM) and spasticity, and ratings of fun and difficulty. Design This was a cross-sectional study of 21 children (12 male, 9 female; 4–12 years of age) with UEMIs. Methods All children participated in a structured in-clinic play session during which measurements of spasticity and ROM were collected. The children were fitted with the controller and played with 2 toys and 2 computer games for 5 minutes each. Wrist flexion and extension motion during play was recorded and analyzed. In addition, children rated the fun and difficulty of play. Results Flexion and extension goal movements were repeatedly achieved by children during the play session at an average frequency of 0.27 Hz. At this frequency, 15 minutes of play per day would result in approximately 1,700 targeted joint motions per week. Play activity was associated with ROM measures, specifically supination, but toy perception ratings of enjoyment and difficulty were not correlated with clinical measures. Limitations The reported results may not be representative of children with more severe UEMIs. Conclusions These outcomes indicate that the therapeutic controllers elicited repetitive goal movements and were adaptable, enjoyable, and challenging for children of varying ages and UEMIs.

scholarly journals The surface electromyography analysis of the non-plegic upper limb of hemiplegic subjects

2010 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 562-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heloyse U Kuriki ◽  
Raquel N. de Azevedo ◽  
Augusto C. de Carvalho ◽  
Fábio Mícolis de Azevedo ◽  
Rúben F Negrão-Filho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Group ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Wrist Flexion ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Normal Individuals ◽  
Flexor Muscles ◽  
Stroke Group ◽  
Dominant Member ◽  
Flexion And Extension

Many authors have studied physical and functional changes in individuals post-stroke, but there are few studies that assess changes in the non-plegic side of hemiplegic subjects. This study aimed to compare the electromyographic activity in the forearm muscles of spastic patients and clinically healthy individuals, to determine if there is difference between the non-plegic side of hemiplegics and the dominant member of normal individuals. 22 hemiplegic subjects and 15 clinically healthy subjects were submitted to electromyography of the flexor and extensor carpi ulnaris muscles during wrist flexion and extension. The flexor muscles activation of stroke group (average 464.6 u.n) was significantly higher than the same muscles in control group (mean: 106.3 u.n.) during the wrist flexion, what shows that the non affected side does not present activation in the standart of normality found in the control group.

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