Normative kinematics of reaching and dexterity tasks: moving towards a quantitative baseline for Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs)

Purpose: This work generates a comprehensive description of upper extremity and torso kinematics of a healthy population during reaching and dexterity Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) tasks. Methods: Upper limb and torso kinematic data were collected from 30 young, healthy participants as they performed three common FCE tasks: repetitive reaching, fingertip dexterity, and hand and forearm dexterity. Kinematic profiles were created for all clinically relevant angles of the torso, shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Results: These provocative tasks require large ranges of motion and create high demand postures for the upper limb, specifically at the shoulder. Arm elevation was up to 90°, while humeral internal rotation of 25° was observed. Torso angles were typically below 30° from neutral and elbow flexion remained within 90°–120° for nearly all tasks. Wrist ulnar deviation ranged from 0° to 26° for both wrists. Conclusion: The normative data created in this investigation provide a description of healthy motion during reaching and dexterity tasks. These normative curves are the initial step towards understanding movement that would contraindicate return to work during an FCE. This work supports a future clinical goal of being able to identify persons at risk of further injury or disability if returned to work too early.