M. Elise Johanson

Papers

Total Citations

168

H-Index

About

M. Elise Johanson is a leading researcher in hand biomechanics and reconstructive rehabilitation, best known for her foundational work quantifying the functional demands of key pinch. Her most-cited study, "Identification of key pinch forces required to complete functional tasks" (2004, 168 citations), established critical benchmarks by measuring the precise forces needed to perform everyday activities—data that directly informs surgical planning for individuals with tetraplegia. This research bridges a crucial gap between clinical outcomes and real-world function, providing surgeons and therapists with evidence-based targets for restoring meaningful hand use. Johanson’s contributions have shaped rehabilitation protocols and surgical decision-making, ensuring that reconstructive procedures aim for forces sufficient to enable independence. Her work remains a cornerstone in the field, cited extensively in studies on tendon transfer outcomes, assistive device design, and neuromuscular rehabilitation. By translating biomechanical principles into actionable clinical guidelines, Johanson has empowered patients and clinicians alike, making her a pivotal figure in the science of functional hand recovery.