ABSTRACT

hod: The feeding cycle was divided into pre-feeding and feeding phases. The pre-feeding phase was operationally defined as scooping water with a spoon. The feeding phase was operationally defined as bringing the spoon to the mouth. A three-dimensional CMS70P analysissystem was used to record upper limb motion during eating activities. Ten male and eight female healthy volunteers participated in this study.Results: (1) in pre-feeding phase: when a spoon without a UC was used, wrist was flexed and shoulder was adducted. However, when a UC with a spoon, the wrist was extended and shoulder was abducted. Also, the range of motions (ROMs) of shoulder flexion and internal rotation were significantly increased (p<0.05). (2) In feeding phase: when a spoon without a UCwas used, wrist was flexed and radially deviated. However, when a spoon was used in a UC with a spoon, wrist was extended and ulnarly deviated. The ROMs of forearm supination, shoulder abduction, and external rotation were significantly increased(p<0.05).Conclusion: The ROMs of upper extremities with UC were significantly different from without UC. Therefore, when applying a universal cuff on patients, appropriate ROMs for a universal cuff should be considered prior to OT treatment.