The Wrist Flexion Test measures how far the wrist can bend downward. It is useful for tracking wrist mobility, comparing sides and adding context to gripping, weight-bearing, handstands, pressing, racquet sports and daily hand tasks.
A client may report wrist stiffness when gripping, pressing, doing push-ups, typing, lifting or moving into weight-bearing positions. The Wrist Flexion Test gives a repeatable way to measure wrist bending ROM and track change over time.
The MAT article describes the client seated with the elbow tucked into the trunk, elbow flexed to 90 degrees and forearm pronated. The Measurz inclinometer is aligned with the third metacarpal, and the client flexes the wrist downward. The MAT source lists at least 70 degrees as the practical aim.
Test name: Wrist Flexion Test
Purpose: Assess wrist flexion range of motion
What it assesses: Ability to bend the wrist downward
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer
Key finding: Wrist flexion angle in degrees
Best used with: Wrist extension, radial deviation, ulnar deviation, forearm pronation/supination and grip strength
Key limitation: Forearm movement and finger position can affect the result
The Wrist Flexion Test is a ROM assessment that measures how far the wrist can bend downward from a pronated forearm position.
It is used to assess wrist mobility, compare sides, monitor progress and add context to hand, wrist, forearm and upper-limb tasks.
It measures wrist flexion ROM in degrees. It does not measure grip strength, finger mobility, forearm rotation, pain source or weight-bearing wrist capacity.
Active wrist flexion is measured when the client flexes the wrist themselves. Passive wrist flexion may be measured if the movement professional assists the hand. Record the method clearly.
Gym clients, racquet sport athletes, climbers, manual workers, musicians, desk workers, combat sport athletes and anyone where wrist mobility is relevant.
Measurz inclinometer
Chair or treatment table
Optional forearm support
Measurz app
Notes for side, pain, symptoms, active/passive method and finger position
Ask the client to sit with the elbow tucked into the trunk, elbow flexed to 90 degrees and forearm pronated. The forearm may be supported if required, but record this setup and repeat it on retest. Align the Measurz inclinometer with the third metacarpal. Ask the client to flex the wrist downward. Pause and save the score in Measurz.
Record pain, stiffness, finger tension, forearm movement or compensation.
Record wrist flexion in degrees. The MAT source lists at least 70 degrees as the practical aim and describes typical wrist flexion as 0–70 degrees.
A lower score may be relevant to gripping, weight-bearing or wrist-loading tasks, but interpretation should include pain, wrist extension, deviation, forearm rotation, grip strength and task-specific demands.
Evidence level: Level 2, related or closest available reference values.
Use 70 degrees as the practical MAT benchmark. Compare with the opposite side and the client’s previous results.
A 2021 validation study of a smartphone application and wearable sensor for wrist motions reported good-to-excellent test-retest reproducibility for wrist and forearm motions, and supported smartphone-based wrist ROM measurement as feasible when standardised.
Common errors include lifting or rotating the forearm, changing finger position, inconsistent third metacarpal alignment, unsupported forearm changes between sessions and comparing active/passive ROM directly.
Use this test to track wrist flexion ROM, compare sides and add context to gripping, pressing, lifting, typing, racquet sports, gymnastics and upper-limb loading.
Record side, wrist flexion angle, active/passive method, pain score, symptom location, forearm support, finger position, third metacarpal alignment, comparison side and retest score.
Wrist Extension Test
Wrist Radial Deviation Test
Wrist Ulnar Deviation Test
Elbow Pronation Test
Elbow Supination Test
Grip Strength Test
Push-Up Test
It measures how far the wrist bends downward.
The MAT source lists at least 70 degrees as the practical aim.
It can be supported if needed, but the setup should be recorded and repeated consistently.
No. ROM and grip strength should be assessed separately.
The Wrist Flexion Test measures downward wrist ROM.
Align the device with the third metacarpal.
Record active/passive method.
Use 70 degrees as a practical guide.
Track symptoms and side comparison in Measurz.
Engstrand, F., Tesselaar, E., Gestblom, R., & Farnebo, S. (2021). Validation of a smartphone application and wearable sensor for measurements of wrist motions. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume), 46(10), 1057–1063.
Kiatkulanusorn, S., Luangpon, N., Srijunto, W., Watechagit, S., Pitchayadejanant, K., Kuharat, S., Anwar Bég, O., & Paepetch Suato, B. (2023). Analysis of the concurrent validity and reliability of five common clinical goniometric devices. Scientific Reports, 13, 20915.
