Relationships and Patterns of Variation in the Strength of Finger and Wrist Flexor Muscle Groups and the Identification of Simulated Paralysis.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between muscle strength in various flexor muscle groups of the fingers and wrist and establishes a method for identifying simulated paralysis using the MicroFET2 muscle strength tester.

Methods: Subjects were divided into three groups: a young cooperative group (n = 60), an elder cooperative group (n = 17), and a simulated paralysis group (n = 25). The peak force of wrist palmar flexion, thumb palmar abduction, and distal finger flexion was measured in different positions using the MicroFET2.

Results: The highest muscle strength was observed in wrist joint dorsal extension at 30°, followed by the neutral position at 0°, and then palmar flexion at 30°. For thumb palmar abduction, strength was higher at 30° than at 60°. Regarding overall flexion strength, wrist palmar flexion was the strongest, followed by the thumb, then the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and finally, the little finger. In contrast, the simulated paralysis group exhibited irregular muscle strength patterns, providing a basis for identifying simulated muscle weakness.

Conclusion: The use of MicroFET2 for measuring finger and wrist flexor muscle strength reveals consistent patterns, aiding in the detection of simulated muscle weakness. These findings enhance the objectivity and accuracy of muscle strength testing in forensic clinical practice.