Exercise effect on strength and range of motion of hand intrinsic muscles and joints.

Abstract

The intrinsic muscles of the hand are largely neglected in training, mainly because certain biomechanical principles must be applied in order for these muscles to be involved in hand exercises. Following these principles, a system of stretching and isometric exercises was developed. Twelve men exercised for four weeks, three times daily. Significant improvement in seven out of the 12 strength measurements was noted. Exercise seemed to affect just the metacarpophalangeal joints range of motion, while distal and proximal interphalangeal joints remained largely unaffected.