Do sex and age affect upper limb motion during functional tasks?

Study Description

One of the primary objectives of the Musculoskeletal Health and Ergonomics Lab is define and understand upper limb function. One aspect of this is to understand the effects of age on biomechanics and function.

Using our newly developed Work-Related Activities and Functional Task (WRAFT) procotol, which includes activities of daily living and functional work tasks, we are measuring upper limb motion how kinematics may change with age.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the 3-dimensional scapular and humeral kinematics during the WRAFT protocol in males and females ranging in age from 18 to 65 years.

Results

Initial findings suggest there are few differences between males and females, and minimal effects of age, on shoulder kinematics during performance of the WRAFT. However, some kinematics vary with sex and may provide insight into the high levels of musculskeletal disorders in women.

For more details, look for the publication expected in late 2023!