exploration: influence of finger extensors and finger flexors

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Influence of the finger extensors on palmar flexion and the finger flexors on dorsiflexion

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last update: 30.5.2003
Name: Influence of finger extensors on palmar flexion and finger flexors on dorsiflexion

Instructions

  1. Extend the forearm dorsally with the fingers bent to the maximum.
  2. Slowly open your fist and observe how much further you can move your wrist into palmar flexion.
  3. Extend the forearm palmar and note the angle of the forearm to the floor.
  4. Next, clench your fingers into a loose fist and return to the – thus modified – palmar forearm stretch and compare the current angle of the forearm to the floor with the memorised one.
  5. Perform the palmar forearm stretch as described with your palms pressed to the floor.
  6. Note the angle that your forearms reach the floor.
  7. Next, perform the same pose, but place the palm of your hand and no more than this on a support several centimetres thick, i.e. on a block or a thicker shoulder stand plate.

details

  1. This exploration shows very clearly for most people that the palmar flexion of the wrist depends on the condition of the fingers: with a maximally closed fist, the wrist can be flexed significantly less than with an open fist; palmar flexion is therefore a function of finger flexion.
  2. This functional dependency can also be demonstrated in quite agile people. However, it is not as pronounced in antagonists, if it exists at all, as the second part of the exploration demonstrates.
  3. In the same way, dorsiflexion of the wrist is dependent on the finger flexors: if the fingers are stretched, they restrict dorsiflexion; if they remain relaxed and can move freely, further dorsiflexion is possible. This is shown in the second part of the exploration.