Biomechanical Analysis of Wrist Movements in Sabaragamuwa Traditional Dance

Sabaragamuwa traditional dance, originating from Sabaragamuwa Province, demonstrates distinctive expressive hand gestures characterized by fluid and circular wrist movements. This study investigates the biomechanical principles underlying wrist movements in Sabaragamuwa dance, focusing on muscular involvement, joint mechanics, and movement coordination. A mixed-method research design was employed, integrating primary data collected through literature surveys, empirical reports, and field observations and semi-structured interviews with dancers and instructors, alongside secondary data derived from academic literature and relevant theoretical sources. Motion patterns were analyzed using kinematic and kinetic frameworks to identify joint angles and muscular activation patterns. The findings reveal that wrist flexion, extension, medial deviation, and lateral deviation are the dominant movement patterns. Flexion and extension movements of the wrist joint performed within the sagittal plane, around a coronal axis that passes through the wrist joint. Medial and lateral deviations of the wrist occur within the coronal plane, around a sagittal axis. Circumduction of the wrist joint is achieved through a sequential combination of movements. It begins with extension of approximately 60°, followed by lateral deviation (radial abduction) of up to 25°, medial deviation (ulnar adduction) of up to 40°, and finally flexion of approximately 80°. These movements were achieved through coordinated activation of forearm flexors and extensors, particularly the flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris, extensor carpi radialis, and extensor carpi ulnaris. Forearm rotational stability is supported by the pronator teres and supinator muscles. The results indicate that controlled muscular co-contraction is essential for maintaining fluidity and aesthetic precision while minimizing strain. The study concludes that Sabaragamuwa wrist movements reflect an efficient biomechanical system that balances artistic expression with functional joint  mechanics, contributing to dance science literature and providing practical implications for performance optimization and injury prevention.