A Study of the Kinematics of Upper Limb Tasks

By Martyn Bates

Student Number: 044652854

Mechanical Engineering with Design BEng

Project Supervisor: Dr Sian Lawson

Introduction & Background

1 in 6 people suffer from arthritis Define a range of ‘Normality’ for Shoulder

motion Able-bodied subjects Help to quantify the benefits of Shoulder

replacements Investigations into maximum range

The Human Shoulder Complex

3 Bones 4 Articulations 30 Muscles Spatial position of the Humerus defined by 3

terms

Method

26 Subjects 15 Tasks Crest laboratory VICON motion system and reflective markers JCS – Joint Coordinate System Bodybuilder & Models

Results

Results from:– 4 tasks– Subjects over 50 years old

Over 90% of data was not analysed Range of Glenohumeral Motion:

– Flexion: -67˚ to +170˚– Abduction: -39˚ to +120– Rotation: -35˚ to +120˚

Typical ResultGlenohumeral Motion when reaching up the spine

-80

-60

-40

-20

0

20

40

60

80

100

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Percentage of action

Ro

tati

on

in d

egre

es

Abduction 'A' Flexion 'A' Internal Rotation 'A' Abduction 'B' Flexion 'B' Internal Rotation 'B'

Conclusions

Does not provide a complete definition of Normal Shoulder motion– Errors– More data required

Useful for assessing the range of motion required for certain tasks

Further investigations could provide a definitive definition of Normal Motion

Thank You For Listening

Any Questions?