Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Stroke Patients Through Advanced Robotic and Neuromodulation Technologies
Published on: October 11, 2024
Range of Motion Requirements for Upper-Limb Activities of Daily Living
Deanna H Gates1, Lisa Smurr Walters2, Jeffrey Cowley3
1Deanna H. Gates, PhD, is Assistant Professor, School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; gatesd@umich.edu.
Objective:
We quantified the range of motion (ROM) required for eight upper-extremity activities of daily living (ADLs) in healthy participants.
Method:
Fifteen right-handed participants completed several bimanual and unilateral basic ADLs while joint kinematics were monitored using a motion capture system. Peak motions of the pelvis, trunk, shoulder, elbow, and wrist were quantified for each task.
Results:
To complete all activities tested, participants needed a minimum ROM of -65°/0°/105° for humeral plane angle (horizontal abduction-adduction), 0°-108° for humeral elevation, -55°/0°/79° for humeral rotation, 0°-121° for elbow flexion, -53°/0°/13° for forearm rotation, -40°/0°/38° for wrist flexion-extension, and -28°/0°/38° for wrist ulnar-radial deviation. Peak trunk ROM was 23° lean, 32° axial rotation, and 59° flexion-extension.
Conclusion:
Full upper-limb kinematics were calculated for several ADLs. This methodology can be used in future studies as a basis for developing normative databases of upper-extremity motions and evaluating pathology in populations.
More Related Videos
04:49Author Spotlight: Enhancing Post-Stroke Upper Limb Rehabilitation with Robotic Technologies for Improved Motor Recovery and Functional Outcomes
Published on: September 6, 2024
05:52Mobile Game-based Virtual Reality Program for Upper Extremity Stroke Rehabilitation
Published on: March 8, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a...
Anatomical Movements
Here are some common anatomical movements:
Flexion and extension motions are in the sagittal (anterior–posterior) plane of motion. These movements take place at the shoulder, hip, elbow, knee, wrist,...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus