Muscle Function of the Hand during Resisted and Non-Resisted Activity

Abstract

This article is a review of Investigations carried out by others into the active and passive participation of muscles during resisted and non-resisted finger work in the normal hand; of particular interest are electromyographic analyses which challenge some of the long-established ideas about muscle action during finger motion. The findings also show that, during grip, the intrinsic muscles ensure joint stability while the long flexors provide most of the force required. The implications for occupational therapy are discussed.