The Effect of Elbow Position on the Range of Supination and Pronation of the Forearm

The authors performed a kinematic study in 50 volunteers to examine the influence of elbow position on the range of supination and pronation of the forearm.  As the elbow flexed, the maximum angle of supination increased while the maximum angle of pronation decreased.  The converse was true as the elbow was extended.  The total range of forearm rotation was greatest in the mid-range of elbow flexion (45-90 degrees). 
 
The degree of elbow flexion should be recorded when reporting measurements of forearm rotation for comparability.  The phenomena observed in this study may have future relevance to elbow and wrist prosthetic design.