Functional Comparison of Pronation and Supination Strengths

Wendy N. Timm, Shawn W. O'Driscoll, Marjorie E. Johnson, Kai Nan An

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Studies have shown that functional activities involving pronation and supination, such as turning a doorknob or a screwdriver, involve wrist positions of extension and/or ulnar deviation. Previous studies of isometric forearm pronation and supination strength have utilized a neutral wrist position, resulting in a possible underestimation of true functional strength. Twenty healthy subjects between the ages of 24 and 45 years were assessed for isometric pronation and supination strength using cylinder, screwdriver, and doorknob handle adaptations. Maximal strength in both pronation and supination was observed with the use of the doorknob handle. Although pronation strength was exceeded by supination strength within all three handle adaptations, the difference was statistically significant for the screwdriver and doorknob handles. The results suggest that in clinical and research-oriented testing of maximal forearm rotation strength, further consideration must be given to the terminal grip device and positioning of the wrist.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)190-193
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Hand Therapy
Volume6
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1993

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Functional Comparison of Pronation and Supination Strengths'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this