Wrist extensor strength testing involves which of the following?

Wrist extensor strength testing involves which of the following?

• A. Flex the wrist against resistance on the palmar surface; stabilize the forearm.
• B. Extend the wrist against resistance on the dorsum of the hand; stabilize the forearm.
• C. Rotate the forearm against resistance at the wrist.
• D. Extend the wrist against resistance on the dorsum of the hand; stabilize the forearm.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is isolating wrist extension. When testing wrist extensor strength, you have the person extend the wrist against resistance placed on the back (dorsal surface) of the hand while you stabilize the forearm. This setup specifically recruits the wrist extensors (like the extensor carpi groups and extensor digitorum) and prevents substitutions from the elbow or shoulder or from other motions. Resisting on the palmar surface would recruit the wrist flexors, not the extensors, so it doesn’t test the same movement. Rotating the forearm isn’t about wrist extension at all, but about forearm rotation. Stabilizing the forearm is essential to keep the motion isolated to the wrist and avoid compensatory movements from proximal joints.

The key idea is isolating wrist extension. When testing wrist extensor strength, you have the person extend the wrist against resistance placed on the back (dorsal surface) of the hand while you stabilize the forearm. This setup specifically recruits the wrist extensors (like the extensor carpi groups and extensor digitorum) and prevents substitutions from the elbow or shoulder or from other motions.

Resisting on the palmar surface would recruit the wrist flexors, not the extensors, so it doesn’t test the same movement. Rotating the forearm isn’t about wrist extension at all, but about forearm rotation. Stabilizing the forearm is essential to keep the motion isolated to the wrist and avoid compensatory movements from proximal joints.