The effects of exercise on ligamentous stiffness in the wrist

The purpose of this study was to determine if exercise alters wrist joint laxity, as measured by the mechanical behavior of the scaphoid bone. The load-displacement behavior of the scaphoid was studied in the palmar-dorsal direction in both wrists of 7 healthy volunteers (n = 14) before and after 2 exercise protocols (grip and push-up). When compared to the rested values, both exercise protocols significantly increased the displacement at 40 N by 47% (grip) and by 34% (push-up). Accordingly, the stiffness decreased significantly by 36% (grip) and by 32% (push-up). Partial recovery was documented after 1 hour of rest and there were no differences between any of the groups after 24 hours of rest. The increase in laxity documented during these exercise protocols reduces the ligament loads at comparable wrist positions and may thereby reduce the likelihood of traumatic ligamentous injury during participation in strenuous activity or sports.