Assessment protocol of wrist flexion and extension to support processes in occupational health using Myo Armband

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis and Quervain’s disease are the main upper limb muscleskeletal disorders related with occupational health events. During the clinical practice, assessment of these pathologies includes subjectives methods and parameters. There are quantitative approaches for improve the analysis, however they do not consider dynamic conditions. This paper presents a protocol to perform flexo-extension wrist motion assessment during dynamic contractions. The protocol includes force estimation using Thera- Bands, and electromyography (EMG) signals acquired using a commercial, low-cost device (MYO-Armband). A test of feasibility with five healthy persons was carried out. Activation of muscular groups during wrist flexo-extension motions were identified and analyzed respect to the anatomic and physiologic theory. A quantitative assessment of activation patterns was performed using Root Mean Square calculation from EMG. Our results evinced that this protocol could be projected to be applied for occupational therapy.