ABSTRACT

Objective : The purpose of this study is to analyze the task of drinking a glass of water through three-dimensional motion analysis and electromyogram (EMG).Methods : Thirty healthy young adults were recruited for this study. The participants performed the task of drinking a glass of water in a sitting position. During the task, the time, range of motion, and velocity of upper extremity movement were measured using VICON MX SYSTEM, and the muscle activities were measured using MP-100.Results : The results show a maximal adduction of the shoulder and an extension of the elbow during the glass-holding phase. There were a maximal flexion, abduction of the shoulder, and maximal flexion of theelbow during the drinking phase. During the reaching phase, the shoulder angle was highly correlated with the elbow angle (r=-.904, p<.05), the shoulder angle moderately correlated with the wrist angle (r=.722, p<.05), and the elbow angle moderately correlated with the wrist angle (r=-.700, p<.05). During the forward transport phase, returning phase, drinking phase, and reaching phase, the upper trapezius (7.31%), biceps brachii (1.60%), triceps brachii (.43%), deltoid middle fiber (1.33%), and extensor carpi radialis longus (2.20%) showed the highest muscle activities.Conclusion : The results of this study can be applied to people with neurological conditions who experience upper extremity weakness for their most-efficient movement patterns during various activities of daily living. This may lead to an effective occupational therapy program, treatment plan, and better client satisfaction.