4) movement analysis

Question 1

Define movement analysis

Answer 1

The ability to analyse movement patterns and identify both normal and abnormal movement.

This involves a combination of observation, palpation and a systematic approach.

Upper limb has larger range of movement

Question 2

What is the approach to movement analysis

Answer 2

1. Observe the model performing the task
2. Identify key stages – break the whole task up into smaller stages
3. For each key stage:
   a. Observe and list all of the joint movements and the order in which they occur. Check proximal to distal from the neck to the fingers.

b. Identify the agonists producing each main joint movement

c. Identify the type of muscle activity occurring to produce each main
joint movement

d. Accurately palpate to confirm the agonist activity during the movement
e. Consider any additional muscle activity e.g. fixator, synergist
f. Palpate to confirm this additional muscle work
4. Identify any differences between models or between the model and yourself performing the task.

Question 3

What are the different stages of skeletal muscle

Answer 3

> Isometric contraction:
an increase in the tension of a muscle without an alteration in length

> Isotonic contraction:
a contraction which brings about a change in length of the muscle either:

o Concentric contraction:
bringing the origin and insertion closer together

o Eccentric contraction:
controls the distancing (gradual lengthening) of the two ends of the muscle

Question 4

Roles of skeletal muscle

Answer 4

1) Agonist (prime mover):

the main muscle responsible for producing movement at a joint (e.g. triceps for elbow extension).

2)Antagonist:

the muscle which produces the opposite movement to the agonist and therefore relaxes reciprocally to allow the agonist to contract (e.g. brachialis is an antagonist to triceps during elbow extension)

3)Fixator (stabiliser):

the muscles which contract to fix the bone of an attachment of another muscle (e.g. trapezius anchors the scapula to allow coracobrachialis to flex the shoulder by bringing the humerus towards the coracoid process)

4)Synergist:

a muscle which improves the efficiency of another (e.g. wrist extensors act as synergists by increasing the tension in the long finger flexors when gripping)
OR assists another muscle to perform a movement that neither can do independently (e.g. flexor carpi ulnaris and extensor carpi ulnaris working together to produce ulnar deviation)

Question 5

Precision grip

Answer 5

▪️Used to manipulate a small object/tool

▪️Objects held between the tip of the thumb and one, two or three fingers

▪️The hand is positioned by the wrist and forearm, gripping is performed by the muscles acting on the joints of the fingers and thumb

▪️Co-ordination of the flexor/extensor mechanism acting on the fingers is essential & the intrinsic muscles of the hand are active

Question 6

3 types of precision grips

Answer 6

1)Pinch Grip: Most precise grip. Used to manipulate a small object/tool.

Objects are held between the tip of the thumb and one, two or three fingers. The hand is positioned by the wrist and forearm, gripping is performed by the muscles acting on the joints of the fingers and thumb. Co-ordination of the flexor/extensor mechanism acting on the fingers is essential. Intrinsic muscles of the hand are active

2) Pincer Grip: All joints of the index finger are flexed and the fingertip is brought into contact with the tip of the abducted thumb
3) Key Grip: The pad of the thumb is held on the radial side of index finger

Question 7

Power grip

Answer 7

▪️Used to hold an object firmly so that it can be moved by the more proximal joints of the upper limb

▪️All of the fingers are flexed around the object and the thumb is curled around in the opposite direction to press against or meet the fingers around the object

▪️Both thenar & hypothenar muscles keep the hand in contact with the object grasped

▪️Maximum contact (fingers, thumb and palm) with object provides sensory feedback to ensure that the exact pressure and control are being exerted on the handle or tool

▪️Wrist extensors are active as synergists & improve strength of the grip by increasing tension in the long finger flexors

Question 8

3 types of power grip

Answer 8

1)Palmar Grip:
Most powerful grip. The thumb acts as a buttress and the fingers wrap around the object. Strength of the grip is strongest when the tips of the index finger and thumb can still touch

2)Hook Grip:
The object is held firmly between the palm and the flexed fingers (the thumb is not involved)

3)Span Grip: Uses abducted fingers and thumb (with or without the addition of palm) in order to grip