In anti-gravity MMT for Wrist Extension, what is the test position?

In anti-gravity MMT for Wrist Extension, what is the test position?

• A. Forearm Pronated; Palmar Surface Resting on the Table
• B. Forearm Supinated; Dorsal Surface Resting on the Table
• C. Forearm Neutral; Palm on Table
• D. Forearm in Flexion; Hand Hanging Off the Table

Answer: (A)

For an anti-gravity wrist extension test, you want the extensors to work against the direction of gravity while the forearm is stabilized. Placing the forearm in pronation with the palm facing down and resting on the table achieves this: the wrist can be extended (raise the back of the hand) against gravity, with the forearm supported so the movement isn’t aided or hindered by elbow or forearm motion. This position also aligns the line of pull of the wrist extensor group (extensor carpi radialis longus/brevis, extensor carpi ulnaris, etc.) to lift the dorsum of the hand toward the ceiling. If the forearm were supinated or the palm were up, or if the palm wasn’t resting on the table, the mechanics change and the test would not isolate wrist extension against gravity as effectively. The chosen position keeps the test focused on the wrist extensors performing the anti-gravity movement.

For an anti-gravity wrist extension test, you want the extensors to work against the direction of gravity while the forearm is stabilized. Placing the forearm in pronation with the palm facing down and resting on the table achieves this: the wrist can be extended (raise the back of the hand) against gravity, with the forearm supported so the movement isn’t aided or hindered by elbow or forearm motion. This position also aligns the line of pull of the wrist extensor group (extensor carpi radialis longus/brevis, extensor carpi ulnaris, etc.) to lift the dorsum of the hand toward the ceiling.

If the forearm were supinated or the palm were up, or if the palm wasn’t resting on the table, the mechanics change and the test would not isolate wrist extension against gravity as effectively. The chosen position keeps the test focused on the wrist extensors performing the anti-gravity movement.