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Updated: Mar 7, 2026
An Objective and Child-friendly Assessment of Arm Function by Using a 3-D Sensor
Published on: February 12, 2018
Functional range of motion of the hand joints in activities of the International Classification of Functioning,
Verónica Gracia-Ibáñez1, Margarita Vergara1, Joaquín L Sancho-Bru1
1Departmento de Ingeniería Mecánica y Construcción, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain.
Study Design:
Cross-sectional research design.
Introduction:
Active range of motion (AROM) is used as indicator of hand function. However, functional range of motion (FROM) data are limited, and fail to represent activities of daily living (ADL).
Purpose Of The Study:
To estimate dominant hand FROM in flexion, abduction and palmar arching in people under 50 years of age performing ADL.
Methods:
AROMs and hand postures in 24 representative ADL of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) were recorded in 12 men and 12 women. FROM data were reported by activity and ICF area, and compared with AROMs. The relationship between ROM measures to gender and hand size was analyzed by correlation.
Results:
FROM was 5° to 28° less than available AROM depending on the joint and movement performed.
Discussion:
Joints do not necessarily move through full AROM while performing ADL which has benefits in retaining function despite loss of motion. This may also suggest that ADL alone are insufficient to retain or restore full AROM.
Conclusions:
Therapists should consider FROM requirements and normal AROM when defining hand therapy goals, interventions and evaluating the success of treatment.
Level Of Evidence:
N/A.
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