To develop triceps strength in a patient with 3/5 strength, how should the tabletop be positioned when sanding the project?

To develop triceps strength in a patient with 3/5 strength, how should the tabletop be positioned when sanding the project?

• A. At a 45 degree incline angled so individual's hands are above elbows when elbows are flexed
• B. At individual's waist height so their hands and elbows are on the same plane when elbows are flexed
• C. At individual's chest height so their hands and elbows are on the same plane when elbows are flexed
• D. At a 45 degree incline angled so individual's hands are below elbows when elbows are flexed

Answer: (A)

Gravitation-driven resistance is used to bias the elbow into extension so the triceps have to work to extend the arm. Placing the tabletop on a 45-degree incline with the hands higher than the elbows when the elbows are flexed creates a situation where the weight of the forearm and sanding tool tends to pull the arm into extension. The triceps must actively contract to control and complete the elbow extension during the sanding task, providing a safe, progressive strengthening stimulus appropriate for someone with 3/5 strength. If the surface were at waist or chest height with hands and elbows in the same plane, the gravitational torque on the elbow would be less effective for strengthening the triceps. If the hands are below the elbows, gravity would favor elbow flexion rather than extension, which would not target the triceps as desired.

Gravitation-driven resistance is used to bias the elbow into extension so the triceps have to work to extend the arm. Placing the tabletop on a 45-degree incline with the hands higher than the elbows when the elbows are flexed creates a situation where the weight of the forearm and sanding tool tends to pull the arm into extension. The triceps must actively contract to control and complete the elbow extension during the sanding task, providing a safe, progressive strengthening stimulus appropriate for someone with 3/5 strength.

If the surface were at waist or chest height with hands and elbows in the same plane, the gravitational torque on the elbow would be less effective for strengthening the triceps. If the hands are below the elbows, gravity would favor elbow flexion rather than extension, which would not target the triceps as desired.