Wrist strength limitations to manual exertion capability

This study evaluated wrist strength limitations to manual exertion capability in two-dimensional static biomechanical modeling. The researchers hypothesized that wrist strength does not limit manual exertion capability - an assumption commonly made in many strength biomechanical models. An experiment was conducted on 15 right-handed males of college age. Isometric wrist flexion strength was measured at two elbow angles: 90 degree and 135 degree and in two wrist positions: neutral and 45 degree extended. Isometric wrist radial deviation strength was measured at the same two elbow angles and in two wrist positions: neutral and 30 degree ulnarly deviated. Minimum wrist strength limits for which wrist strength does not limit maximal moments about the elbow in manual hand exertions were calculated and compared to their corresponding measured wrist strength moments using paired t-tests. In general, wrist strength was non-limiting. However, wrist flexion strength in the 45 degree extended wrist posture was limiting. Weak-wrist subjects showed more wrist strength limitations than strong-wrist subjects.