The biomechanics of the Reaching Movement in Friedreich Patients

Friedreich patients (FPs) present impaired coordination ability and muscle weakness. Upper-extremity movements against gravity are soon compromised and, consequently, the patient's autonomy is significantly reduced. Impaired joint torque production is reported in the literature both in cerebellar and stroke patients (SPs) and is considered a prominent cause of inability to perform activities of daily living [1], [2]. In this study the biomechanics of the reaching movement against gravity is analyzed and the different motor control and compensatory strategies of FPs and SPs are compared.