How to assess wrist strength
Previous TopicAssess function at the wrist
- Pick up an object weighing 1-2kg
If the person has signs of reduced muscle strength while performing this movement, assess all individual shoulder movements on both sides using the MRC muscle power test.
Assess wrist function by asking person to pick up an object weighing 1-2kg
Read on to learn how to assess strength of individual movements at the wrist.
How to assess wrist flexion strength
Positioning of person:
- For grade 0-2 (gravity eliminated): person in supine or seated, with thumb pointing upwards
- For grade 3-5: person in seated position, palm facing upwards
Clinician positioning and handling:
- For grade 0-2: test side should be on top of body, to test the opposite side, ask or assist the person to roll over to the other side. Support the arm above the elbow and at the wrist
- For grade 3-5: stand on test side of person in seated position, provide resistance below the forearm, while supporting the elbow
Instructions for person:
‘Please bend your wrist so that your hand comes towards your forearm’
Watch these videos to learn how to assess wrist flexion strength:
Assess wrist flexion strength grade 0-2
How to assess wrist extension strength
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For grade 0-2: person seated with forearm supported on table, wrist in neutral position thumb facing upwards -
For grade 3-5: person seated with forearm supported on table, palm facing downwards
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For grade 0-5: clinician seated across from person with access to test side. Support forearm and add resistance to dorsal hand
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‘Please bend your wrist backward so that the back of your hand comes towards your forearm’
Watch these videos to learn how to assess wrist extension strength:
Assess wrist extension strength grade 0-2
Congratulations, you have now learnt how to assess muscle strength for the wrist.
Learning how to properly assess muscle strength for each movement will take time so we encourage you to practice assessing each movement in your own time as well as in this module.
