Monitoring functional ranges of upper-limb activity in a free-living environment

A novel activity-sensor was developed and used to assess upper-limb activity. The Strathclyde upper-limb activity monitor (SULAM) consists of an electro-hydraulic activity-sensor which measures the vertical displacement of the wrist in relation to the shoulder. The aim of this study was to determine the set of vertical ranges of movement that best reflect the functional upper-limb activity in a free-living environment. Ten nonimpaired subjects wore the SULAM while performing their everyday activities. Five distinct ranges of functional vertical movement were identified. There was a statistical difference in the use of both upper-limbs for four of the ranges. Data showed that subjects used their dominant upper-limb 19% more than the nondominant upper-limb. Subjects used their limbs in average 45% of the recording period and 56% of this time was in the waist to chest range.