Measurement of Wrist Extension/Flexion Strength Ratio As An Indicator of Muscle Balance in Forearm

Objectives: strength measurements have been used to assess wrist and forearm performance. there have been a limited number of studies of wrist strength and no studies concerning the relationship between wrist antagonistic muscle groups. furthermore, there is very limited information of normative values of wrist flexion in the literature. quantifying and then identifying the normal relationship (balance) of strength between wrist extensor and flexor muscle groups appears to be necessary for understanding of muscle imbalance in the area and prevention of wrist and elbow injuries. materials and methods: wrist extension and flexion strength in normal population was measured using a purposely developed wrist extension/flexion myometer. six healthy volunteers participated. three measurements were made from both wrist extension and flexion. the mean value of three measurements and the ratio of wrist extension/flexion were measured. results: wrist flexion had a significantly higher strength than wrist extension. wrist flexion was (mean ± sem) 27% ± 8.4 stronger than extension. mean wrist extension/flexion ratio was less than 1 for all participants. conclusion: this is a reliable method in defining the normal strength relationship between wrist and forearm antagonistic muscle groups. the myometer used in this study showed strong reproducibility. identifying the normal strength relationship (muscle balance) between wrist extensor and flexor groups is of great importance for understanding muscle imbalance in the patho-genesis of relevant musculoskeletal conditions including lateral and medial tendinosis (epicondylitis).