| This study was designed to determine the range of motion necessary in the dominant upper extremity to complete a functional eating activity. This research was one component of a multi-study research project being conducted to develop norms for upper extremity range of motion for a series of functional activities, as part of the development of the Physical Disabilities Functional Needs Assessment. The Model of Human Occupation (Kielhofner, 1985) served as the conceptual framework within which performance skills were studied. The results determined ranges of movement for the dominant upper extremity during a functional eating activity. T-tests of mean ranges showed all ranges to be similar with no statistically significant differences, except for wrist extension. This variable had a higher start mean for female ranges than male ranges by a score of 29.4 to 15.5. The end range was also higher for females by a score of 34.1 to 22.6. |
