Citation

Stubbs NB, Fernandez JE, Glenn WM. Int. J. Ind. Ergonomics 1993; 12(4): 265-272.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine age-related changes of joint range of motion (ROM). Twenty-three joint ROM measurements based on descriptions given in the handbook of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (1965) were performed bilaterally (where appropriate) on fifty-five Caucasian males. The group was divided into three age subgroups. The subgroups consisted of twenty-five to thirty-four years, thirty-five to forty-four years, and forty-five years to fifty-years old males. Motion was measured to the nearest one degree. Measurements were repeated until two readings within 4 degrees were obtained. Results indicated a decrease in joint ROM with age, with decreases from 4% to 30%. Right versus left side ROM were different for the wrist and glenohumeral joints. This implies that the aging population with reduced ROM may be at a higher risk of injury for manual material handling and cumulative trauma disorders.