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The impact of reacher length on electromyography activity and task
Nicole E Pinkston1, Amy J Boersma, Sandi J Spaulding
1Northern Lights Regional Health Services, Fort McMurray, AB.
Background:
Reachers are common assistive devices prescribed to help individuals carry out their day-to day activities.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of muscle activity in the arm and forearm when using two commercially available reachers of different lengths.
Method:
Fifteen women between the ages of 23 and 25 performed a reaching activity that simulated moving a soup can from a cupboard to a counter. Surface electromyography was used to measure the muscle activity in the arm and forearm and to gain an understanding of the relative contributions of different muscles when using the short-handled reach in comparison to the long-handled reacher.
Result:
The results showed no significant differences between the short and the long reacher conditions for any of the muscles investigated. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. The length of a reacher does not necessarily affect the amount of muscle strength required in some muscles and may not be a major factor in the therapist's choice of reacher length.
