Accuracy and feasibility of using an electrogoniometer for measuring simple thumb movements

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy and feasibility of using an electrogoniometer (Model SG 110; Biometrics, Gwent, UK) for measuring simple thumb movements. Thumb disorders have been associated with the use of hand held devices such as mobile phones and these devices have become an integral part of modern life. In 15 young subjects, the measurements of eight flexion/extension (Flex/Ext) and adduction/abduction (Ad/Ab) thumb positions were compared between a thumb-mounted electrogoniometer and manual goniometer (which was taken as the benchmark). Group mean electrogoniometric measurement errors were below 4° and 5° for Ad/Ab and Flex/Ext measurements, respectively. During mobile phone use, the electrogoniometers measured differences in maximal joint angle postures, which appeared to be related to differences in mobile phone size. High movement velocities may increase the risk of musculoskeletal injury and the results indicated that Ad/Ab movements were twice the speed of Flex/Ext movements during mobile phone use. Electrogoniometers have utility for studying thumb movements during mobile phone use and may be used to evaluate other thumb-based input devices.

Keywords:

• Thumb
• Goniometry
• Posture
• Repetitive motion disorders
• Upper extremity

Acknowledgements

Measurements were skilfully provided by Ewa Gustafsson, Agneta Lindegård-Andersson, Christina Ahlstrand and Ulrika Wedberg. Financial support was provided by the Regional Research Fund in Västra Götaland.