BACKGROUND: Large numbers of cases of pathological conditions in the forearm and elbow that have been reported in the literature are associated with tasks involving effort and repetitive movements of the arms and hands. Elbow position is known to affect the production of maximum forearm supination torque, and is a critical factor in designing appropriate therapeutic exercises. However, to our knowledge, there are no data on the effects of elbow position on tasks requiring control over submaximal torque levels. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of elbow position on the production of maximum isometric forearm supination torque, and on constant and continuous torque control at different submaximal torque levels. METHOD: Sixteen young adults (24.7 ± 2.2 years old) were asked to perform two tasks: production of maximum lateral pinch torque (thumb and index finger) and controlled lateral pinch constant torque. Both tasks were evaluated at four different elbow positions (free position, 0º, 45º and 90º of elbow flexion) and three submaximal levels of lateral pinch torque production (20%, 40% and 60%). Maximal torque, variability, irregularity and accuracy of the motor response were used as dependent variables. RESULTS: Greater torque values were found when the elbow joint was not restricted. The torque control tasks were not affected by the elbow position. However, greater variability and irregularity and lower accuracy in torque response were recorded with progressively increased submaximal torque levels. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that elbow position is not a determining factor for rehabilitation exercises that include torque control, in relation to forearm supination.
torque; elbow; control; supination
