The Wrist Flexion Strength Test measures the maximum isometric force produced when bending the wrist so the palm moves towards the forearm. Using the Anker, the assessment provides an objective and repeatable measure of wrist flexor strength in a standardised position.
Wrist flexion strength is essential for gripping, lifting, carrying, climbing, manual handling and many sporting movements including golf, tennis, baseball, cricket and gymnastics. Strong wrist flexors also contribute to grip stability by maintaining wrist position during forceful hand activities.
The primary muscles assessed include flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris and palmaris longus, with assistance from the finger flexors depending on hand position.
When used with Measurz, the Anker records peak force and can calculate additional metrics including force relative to body weight, impulse, torque (when the lever arm is entered), rate of force development, time to peak and fatigue index.
The assessment measures muscle force only and should always be interpreted alongside symptoms, wrist mobility, grip strength and functional performance.
The Wrist Flexion Strength Test is an isometric assessment where the client attempts to bend the wrist towards the palm while maintaining a stable forearm and elbow.
The assessment is commonly performed with the elbow flexed to approximately 90°, the forearm supported and the wrist beginning in a neutral position. Maintaining the same testing position improves repeatability between assessments.
The fixed resistance of the Anker allows objective strength measurement when client positioning, anatomical landmarks and instructions remain consistent.
Explain that the assessment measures how strongly they can bend their wrist without moving the elbow or forearm.
Record any:
wrist pain
forearm pain
hand pain
previous wrist injury
previous surgery
neurological symptoms
fatigue
Perform one or two familiarisation contractions before maximal testing.
Position the client:
seated upright
forearm fully supported
elbow flexed to approximately 90°
forearm supinated
wrist in neutral
fingers relaxed
Maintain identical positioning during every reassessment.
Ensure:
the forearm remains supported
the elbow remains still
the wrist begins in neutral
the hand remains relaxed
Position the Anker load cell against the palmar surface of the second and third metacarpals, immediately proximal to the metacarpal heads.
Avoid direct pressure over the fingers or wrist joint.
Record the contact point for future testing.
Prevent movement of:
forearm
elbow
shoulder
trunk
The movement should occur only as an isometric wrist flexion effort.
Use consistent verbal cues.
"Bend your wrist upwards."
"Increase the pressure smoothly."
"Push as hard as you can."
"Hold."
"Keep breathing."
Use the same wording during every reassessment.
Use:
1–2 familiarisation trials
2–3 maximal trials
3–5 second contractions
30–60 seconds rest between trials
Record either:
the highest force value, or
the average of the recorded trials
Maintain the same scoring method during future testing.
the forearm lifts
the elbow moves
the shoulder compensates
the fingers grip excessively
the wrist deviates
the load cell slips
pain limits maximal effort
the client starts before instructed
The assessment may be useful for:
establishing baseline wrist flexor strength
comparing left and right limbs
monitoring progress over time
upper-limb strength profiling
athlete performance assessment
objective reporting using Measurz
monitoring response to exercise
client education
The assessment supports broader clinical reasoning and should not be used as a stand-alone diagnostic assessment.
The primary outcome is peak isometric wrist flexion force.
When analysed in Measurz, additional metrics may include:
Peak force
Force relative to body weight
Impulse
Torque
Rate of force development
Time to peak
Fatigue index
The assessment does not directly measure:
wrist range of motion
tendon integrity
grip endurance
dexterity
readiness for work or sport
Higher force values generally indicate greater wrist flexor strength.
Lower force values may reflect:
pain
fatigue
previous injury
reduced confidence
inconsistent positioning
movement compensation
Interpret results by considering:
previous assessment results
left versus right differences
symptoms during testing
grip strength
occupational and sporting demands
Published Anker-specific normative values are currently unavailable.
Handheld dynamometry demonstrates good reliability for wrist flexion testing when forearm position, wrist position and lever arm are standardised. Because testing protocols differ between systems, comparing results with the client's own baseline and repeated assessments using the same protocol is generally more meaningful than comparison with external reference values.
A side-to-side difference of approximately 10% or greater may warrant further assessment when accompanied by symptoms or functional limitations.
Youth
Interpret relative to growth, coordination and sporting participation.
Adults
Useful for baseline assessment and monitoring progress.
Older adults
Interpret alongside grip strength, hand function and activities of daily living.
Athletes
Particularly useful for climbing, gymnastics, golf, racquet sports, baseball, cricket and strength athletes.
Clients with persistent symptoms
Interpret alongside pain, confidence and functional capacity rather than strength alone.
Common errors include:
forearm lifting
elbow movement
finger gripping
wrist deviation
inconsistent load cell placement
inconsistent verbal cueing
Limitations include:
results are position-specific
pain may reduce maximal force production
strength alone does not determine upper-limb function
published Anker-specific normative values remain limited
The assessment may be useful for:
baseline assessment
progress monitoring
side-to-side comparison
upper-limb performance profiling
objective reporting using Measurz
educating clients using measurable outcomes
It measures maximal isometric wrist flexion strength.
Flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris and palmaris longus.
Peak force is the primary outcome measure.
Yes. Bilateral testing allows meaningful comparison.
No. It measures muscle force only.
Measures maximal isometric wrist flexion strength.
Primarily assesses the wrist flexor muscles.
Peak force is the primary routine outcome measure.
Consistent positioning and metacarpal contact point improve repeatability.
Measurz provides additional force-time metrics.
Compare results with previous assessments and the opposite limb.
Bohannon, R. W. (1997). Reference values for extremity muscle strength obtained by hand-held dynamometry from adults aged 20 to 79 years. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 78(1), 26–32.
Stark, T., Walker, B., Phillips, J. K., Fejer, R., & Beck, R. (2011). Hand-held dynamometry correlation with the gold standard isokinetic dynamometry: A systematic review. PM&R, 3(5), 472–479.
Mentiplay, B. F., Perraton, L. G., Bower, K. J., Adair, B., Pua, Y. H., Williams, G. P., McGaw, R., & Clark, R. A. (2015). Assessment of lower limb muscle strength and power using hand-held and fixed dynamometry: A reliability and validity study. PLOS ONE, 10(10), e0140822.
