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Related Experiment Videos

In vivo finger flexor tendon force while tapping on a keyswitch.

J T Dennerlein1, E Diao, C D Mote

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA.

Journal of Orthopaedic Research : Official Publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society
|April 30, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Internal finger tendon forces during typing are significantly higher than fingertip forces. This study measured in vivo tendon forces, revealing they are not proportional to fingertip force, potentially explaining upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Occupational Health
  • Musculoskeletal Research

Background:

  • Musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity are often linked to typing and keying activities.
  • Internal finger tendon forces during these activities remain largely unquantified in vivo.
  • Understanding these forces is crucial for identifying risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To measure in vivo internal finger flexor tendon forces during rapid keying.
  • To compare these tendon forces with fingertip forces.
  • To investigate the relationship between tendon force and fingertip force during a keystroke.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a tendon-force transducer inserted into the flexor digitorum superficialis during open carpal tunnel release surgery.
  • Subjects performed rapid tapping on an instrumented computer keyswitch.

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  • Measured simultaneous tendon forces and fingertip forces.

    • Main Results:

    • Average maximum tendon forces ranged from 8.3 to 16.6 N, significantly exceeding fingertip forces (4-7 times greater).
    • Observed tendon forces were substantially higher than those predicted by isometric models (p = 0.001).
    • Tendon force profiles did not mirror fingertip force, showing delayed force transmission and prolonged tension post-impact.

    Conclusions:

    • Internal finger tendon forces during keying are considerably larger than fingertip forces.
    • The force transmission dynamics are complex and not directly proportional to external fingertip force.
    • Prolonged tendon tension may contribute to the development of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders.