Limitations of Wrist Strength to Manual Exertion Capability in 2D Biomechanical Modeling

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the assumption in biomechanical models that wrist strength does not limit manual exertion capability. An experiment was designed and run on right-handed males to test isometric elbow flexion strength at two included elbow angles: 90° and 135° and in two forearm positions: supinated and mid between supination and pronation. Isometric wrist flexion strength was also measured at the same elbow angles and at two wrist positions in the flexion/extension plane: neutral and 45° extended. Isometric wrist radial deviation strength was measured at the same two elbow angles and at two wrist positions in the radial/ulnar deviation plane: neutral and 30° ulnarly deviated. An equation was developed to calculate the theoretical minimum wrist strength limits for which wrist strength does not limit maximal moments about the elbow. These calculated limits were compared to the corresponding measured wrist strength moments. In general, wrist strength was found to be non-limiting, but in some specific circumstances, it can be limiting. Among the posture/exertion combinations tested, only wrist flexion strength in the extended wrist posture was found to be limiting. There was some evidence that strong-wrist people show less wrist strength limitations than weak-wrist people in some postures. It was also found that the neutral wrist posture is not associated with the highest wrist strength.