Case Study: Examining Elbow Flexion Scenario: A physical the…
Case Study: Examining Elbow Flexion Scenario: A physical therapist is working with a patient who is recovering from a biceps brachii injury. The therapist wants to assess the patient’s ability to flex their elbow, a movement primarily driven by the biceps brachii muscle. Assessment: The therapist asks the patient to sit with their arm extended, palm facing upwards. The patient is then instructed to slowly bend their elbow, bringing their hand towards their shoulder. The therapist observes the movement, paying attention to the following: 1. Range of Motion: Can the patient fully flex their elbow, bringing their hand close to their shoulder? 2. Strength: Does the patient exhibit weakness during flexion, indicating potential issues with the biceps brachii’s ability to generate sufficient force? 3. Pain: Does the patient experience any pain during the movement, suggesting potential inflammation or injury to the biceps brachii or surrounding tissues? Applying Origin and Insertion to Analysis: The therapist understands that during elbow flexion, the biceps brachii contracts, pulling on its insertion point on the radius. This action causes the radius to move towards the humerus (upper arm bone) as the elbow joint bends. The scapula, where the biceps brachii originates, remains relatively stable during this movement. Question: Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of the biceps brachii during elbow flexion?