Definition - What does distal mean?
Distal is a clinical term that refers to the spatial distance of an extremity (i.e. arms and legs) to the point of attachment or the center of the body axis, serving as a metric for highlighting the juncture where bones, muscles and soft connective tissue contribute to biomechanical functionality. In rehabilitative settings, healthcare practitioners assess joint mobility and joint stability by gauging proximal (near the joint) and distal extremities relative to an articulating joint where factors such as proprioception (spatial awareness) and range of motion (ROM) can exhibit varying degrees of mobility and stability.
SureHire explains distal
Generally, the torso represents the centerline of the body. It represents the point of attachment for the arms and legs, marking their respective subdivision into further composite parts translating to a more distal position with each articulating juncture to accommodate normal movement. Postural stability is a methodology of interpreting the biomechanical soundness of different joints and their surrounding musculature and connective tissue in terms of individuals experiencing physical impairments that can hinder regular activities. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) are debilitating health conditions that can occur with manual labor and sedentary positions where strenuous exertion, repetitive motions, and improper body mechanics are factors that can compromise joints in time.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) can impose financial setbacks to employers via increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, medical care expenditures, and worker's compensation costs. MSD-related cases can involve arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), chronic back pain, and connective tissue injuries (i.e. muscle sprains), often reflecting the efficiency and quality of output from employees. Employers can introduce ergonomic intervention strategies that include modifying workstations suitable for employees with disabilities, altering workloads to facilitate job performance, and promoting a culture of health and fitness, serving to diminish or potentially curb the morbidity rate of MSD incidents.
In measuring joint mobility and joint stability, the distal position of an extremity provides more leverage in free movement through the directional planes of the human body correlating to the proximal junction adjacent to the torso. However, WMSD scenarios can pose challenges to employees in meeting company standards unless ergonomic solutions are made available to mitigate or preclude biomechanical stress on joints, muscles, and connective tissue.
