In wrist flexor strength testing, which option correctly describes the action?

In wrist flexor strength testing, which option correctly describes the action?

• A. Extend the wrist against resistance on the dorsum of the hand.
• B. Abduct the wrist against resistance on the radial side.
• C. Flex the wrist against resistance on the palmar surface, with stabilization of the forearm.
• D. Rotate the wrist medially against resistance at the forearm.

Answer: (C)

The action being tested is wrist flexion against resistance applied to the palm with the forearm stabilized. This isolates the wrist flexor muscles (primarily flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris), which bend the hand at the wrist toward the palm. Applying the resistance on the palmar surface directly opposes that flexion, so the patient must generate force with the wrist flexors to overcome it. Stabilizing the forearm prevents movement at the elbow or forearm from contributing to the effort, ensuring the test measures true wrist flexor strength. The other options describe movements that test wrist extension, radial deviation, or forearm rotation, which involve different muscles or substitutions rather than isolating the wrist flexors.

The action being tested is wrist flexion against resistance applied to the palm with the forearm stabilized. This isolates the wrist flexor muscles (primarily flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris), which bend the hand at the wrist toward the palm. Applying the resistance on the palmar surface directly opposes that flexion, so the patient must generate force with the wrist flexors to overcome it. Stabilizing the forearm prevents movement at the elbow or forearm from contributing to the effort, ensuring the test measures true wrist flexor strength. The other options describe movements that test wrist extension, radial deviation, or forearm rotation, which involve different muscles or substitutions rather than isolating the wrist flexors.