MEASUREMENT OF THE MAXIMUM REACH ENVELOPE IN PERSONS WITH AND WITHOUT SHOULDER INJURY

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The maximum reach envelope (MRE) is a volumetric measure of space used to describe the dimension of upper extremity movement (Maynard 1934). The MRE has been used in ergonomics for measurement and design of workstations. With primary movement at the glenohumeral joint, it has potential applications in clinical assessment. OBJECTIVES: This research will measure and quantify the MRE on a novel group. The objectives are to measure and compare a loaded MRE between the following samples: asymptomatic young, and older adults; asymptomatic and symptomatic complete tear rotator cuff individuals; and to develop the analytical techniques in comparing maximum reach envelopes. PROPOSED METHODS: Clinical measures, and three dimensional MRE measurements from will be recorded for persons with asymptomatic and symptomatic (rotator cuff tear) shoulders. Loads of 0, 0.5 and 1.0 Kg will be incorporated onto the MRE. Coordinate systems (cylindrical and spherical) and methods of analyses will be compared in determining differences between the MRE.