BACKGROUND: Reachers are common assistive devices prescribed to help individuals carry out their day-to day activities. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of muscle activity in the arm and forearm when using two commercially available reachers of different lengths. METHOD: Fifteen women between the ages of 23 and 25 performed a reaching activity that simulated moving a soup can from a cupboard to a counter. Surface electromyography was used to measure the muscle activity in the arm and forearm and to gain an understanding of the relative contributions of different muscles when using the short-handled reach in comparison to the long-handled reacher. RESULT: The results showed no significant differences between the short and the long reacher conditions for any of the muscles investigated. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. The length of a reacher does not necessarily affect the amount of muscle strength required in some muscles and may not be a major factor in the therapist's choice of reacher length.
BACKGROUND: Reachers are common assistive devices prescribed to help individuals carry out their day-to day activities. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of muscle activity in the arm and forearm when using two commercially available reachers of different lengths. METHOD: Fifteen women between the ages of 23 and 25 performed a reaching activity that simulated moving a soup can from a cupboard to a counter. Surface electromyography was used to measure the muscle activity in the arm and forearm and to gain an understanding of the relative contributions of different muscles when using the short-handled reach in comparison to the long-handled reacher. RESULT: The results showed no significant differences between the short and the long reacher conditions for any of the muscles investigated. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. The length of a reacher does not necessarily affect the amount of muscle strength required in some muscles and may not be a major factor in the therapist's choice of reacher length.