Physical functioning and activities of daily living in adults with amyoplasia, the most common form of arthrogryposis. A cross-sectional study.

Adults with amyoplasia are heterogeneous regarding function. Independence in everyday life requires a combination of muscle strength to move against gravity, ability to passive joint motion, and use of compensatory strategies. Implications for rehabilitation The ability to joint motion in the upper extremities is essential for independency in activities of daily living, especially when the muscle strength is impaired. Training of muscle strength is recommended, whenever possible, as muscle strength to move against gravity makes the performing of everyday tasks easier. The use of compensatory techniques, adaptions to the environment and relevant, often custom made, assistive devices is required to perform activities of daily living. Living an active life with physical challenges like in amyoplasia requires flexible and individually adapted solutions.