Analysis of Brushing My Teeth

Twice a day, I complete a complex biomechanical feat. 

For two minutes following my morning and evening cup of tea, I brush my teeth. 

This might not seem the most exciting of tasks; in fact, some might even call it ordinary. But Occupational therapists will disagree, for this simple activity requires a range of methodical and complex movements that all must work for us to maintain our oral hygiene. 

So let's break it down by focusing on the most significant movement involved in brushing your teeth, bringing your toothbrush to your mouth by flexing or bending your elbow. 

The flexion of the elbow occurs in the sagittal plane about the frontal axis. Osteokinmatically, the elbow is flexing in an open kinematic chain. Arthrokimeatically, the concave trochlear notch of the ulna moves around the convex trochlea of the humerus, which will allow the ulna to roll and glide anteriorly during flexion. The muscle that would be considered the prime mover of this type of elbow flexion is the biceps brachii which performs a concentric muscle contraction while brushing your teeth. 

Who knew brushing your teeth was such a workout. And that's just the beginning; remember, there are still movements in the hand, wrist, and shoulder working simultaneously to assist in this movement. These things need to be considered when thinking about how a client might need assistance to complete this complex but necessary activity.