Wrist strength is dependent on simultaneous power grip intensity

Abstract

The effect of grip activities on wrist flexion/extension strength was examined. Twelve healthy subjects performed maximum wrist flexion/extension exertions with one of five levels of simultaneous grip effort: minimum effort; preferred effort; 30%, 60% and 100% maximum voluntary contraction. As grip force increased from the minimum to the maximum effort, average wrist flexion strength increased 34% and average wrist extension strength decreased 10%. It appears that the finger flexor tendons on the volar aspect of the wrist act agonistically in wrist flexion and act antagonistically to wrist extension. When an object gripped by the hand is fragile or uncomfortable, the reduced finger flexor activity will limit wrist flexion strength. Gripping a slippery object that requires high grip effort will result in reduced wrist extension strength. Grip force should be controlled during measurement of wrist flexion or extension strength. When analysing a task that involves both grip and wrist exertions, use of grip/wrist strength values that were measured during grip exertions only, or wrist exertions only, may incorrectly estimate the true grip/wrist strength, as grip and wrist activities significantly interact with each other as demonstrated in this paper.

Keywords:

• wrist flexion–extension
• grip force
• wrist moment
• hand biomechanics
• wrist biomechanics

Acknowledgements

This project was funded in part by joint funds from the UAW-GM National Joint Committee on Health and Safety and by NIOSH pilot grant. The results presented herein represent the conclusions and opinions of the authors. Its publication does not necessarily imply endorsement by the International Union, UAW, General Motors Corporation or NIOSH.