Estimation of Maximum Shoulder and Elbow Joint Torques Based on Demographics and Anthropometrics

Repetitive movements that involve a significant shift of the body's center of mass can lead to shoulder and elbow fatigue, which are linked to injury and musculoskeletal disorders if not addressed in time. Research has been conducted on the joint torque individuals can produce, a quantity that indicates the ability of the person to carry out such repetitive movements. Most of the studies surround gait analysis, rehabilitation, the assessment of athletic performance, and robotics. The aim of this study is to develop a model that estimates the maximum shoulder and elbow joint torque an individual can produce based on anthropometrics and demographics without taking a manual measurement with a force gauge (dynamometer). Nineteen subjects took part in the study which recorded maximum shoulder and elbow joint torques using a dynamometer. Sex, age, body composition parameters, and anthropometric data were recorded, and relevant parameters which significantly contributed to joint torque were identified using regression techniques. Of the parameters measured, body mass index and upper forearm volume predominantly contribute to maximum torque for shoulder and elbow joints; coefficient of determination values were between 0.6 and 0.7 for the independent variables and were significant for maximum shoulder joint torque (P<0.001) and maximum elbow joint torque (P