Reference Values for Elbow Joint Flexibility in Children

This chapter delves into the reference values for elbow joint flexibility in children, focusing on the effects of age, gender, ethnicity, and anthropometry on elbow range of motion (ROM). The study involved 295 children aged 1–12 years from Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, UAE, and utilized an electro-goniometer to measure passive and active elbow joint flexion and extension ROM. Key findings include significant differences in elbow joint flexibility based on age, gender, and ethnicity, although these differences were clinically insignificant. Notably, children exhibited greater passive elbow joint flexibility compared to adolescents, and boys showed higher passive and active elbow flexion than girls. Arab children demonstrated greater passive and active elbow flexion, while South Asian children had higher passive elbow extension. The study also compared elbow joint flexibility between UAE and American children, revealing clinically significant differences in elbow extension. Additionally, the research explored the correlation between elbow ROM and various anthropometric parameters, identifying noteworthy correlations with age, height, shoulder-elbow length, and elbow-hand length. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the need for normative reference values for elbow joint flexibility in children and the clinical significance of the observed differences.