The effect of age and exercise on wrist mobility

Wrist mobility was evaluated in university students (52 males and 49 females), seniors (30 males and 30 females) and pianists (21 males and 31 females). We consider the student group as a control with normal mobility. In students we did not notice differences between the right and left wrist motion; however, flexion, radial duction, and range of dorsovolar as well as radioulnar movements were greater in females compared to males. In comparison to students, seniors show limitation of all types of excursions, which is smaller in females than in males (in ulnar duction of females it is insignificant). Differences in mobility between right and left wrist in seniors were not found, while better mobility in females applies to all excursions except flexion. Pianists, compared to students, have greater ulnar duction, and in the case of males also flexion. Hyperextension and radial duction are the same as in the control group. No differences between sides or sexes are apparent. Compared to the control group, the range of dorsovolar and in particular radioulnar motion is greater only in pianist males, while in females the difference is minimal.