The Effect of Wrist Position on Grip Endurance and Grip Strength

Studies on grip endurance are scant even though it is an important topic with practical implications. This study compares the effect of wrist position, in the flexion-extension plane, on grip endurance and grip strength.

Grip strength and grip endurance were quantified bilaterally at 6 different wrist positions (unrestrained, 45°, 30°, and 15° extension, 0° and 30° flexion) in 38 healthy right-handed individuals.

Our results show that wrist orthosis significantly reduced grip strength across all positions and the maximum grip strength in the position with an orthosis occurred at 15° and 30° extension for the dominant hand and 15°, 30°, and 45° extension for the nondominant hand. Hand dominance and sex did not significantly affect grip endurance. Using a wrist orthosis did not significantly reduce grip endurance at 45° and 30° extension.

At a position of 30° of wrist extension, maximal grip strength is achieved without significantly compromising grip endurance. This has clinical implications for decisions regarding the optimal position for orthosis and radiocarpal joint arthrodesis.

This study would aid both surgeons and therapists in facilitating discussion with patients regarding the various therapeutic options in managing wrist pathologies.