Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Hand Strength

🎬
Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Test hand and finger strength against resistance, comparing sides: grip strength (squeezing your fingers), finger abduction, and the pinch between thumb and fingers. Grade the strength and note any pain or give-way weakness.

How to Interpret

Showing 2 of 7 findings

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Weakness of thumb abduction (and opposition)
Rule in
Minimally helpful
Rule out
Somewhat helpful
Evidence:Strong

Malnutrition

Reduced grip strength
Rule in
Not helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
InconclusiveWide CI
Evidence:Limited

References

Research in progress on one or more findings above; ratings may change.

  • D'Arcy CA, McGee S. The rational clinical examination. Does this patient have carpal tunnel syndrome? JAMA. 2000 Jun 21;283(23):3110-3117. doi:10.1001/jama.283.23.3110. PMID 10865306. (Erratum JAMA. 2000;284(11):1384.)
  • Andrews K, Rowland A, Pranjal A, Ebraheim N. Cubital tunnel syndrome: anatomy, clinical presentation, and management. J Orthop. 2018 Aug 16;15(3):832-836. doi:10.1016/j.jor.2018.08.010. PMID 30140129. (Erratum J Orthop. 2020;23:275.)
  • Kori SH, Foley KM, Posner JB. Brachial plexus lesions in patients with cancer: 100 cases. Neurology. 1981;31(1):45-50. PMID: 6256684.
  • Yoss RE, Corbin KB, MacCarty CS, Love JG. Significance of symptoms and signs in localization of involved root in cervical disk protrusion. Neurology. 1957;7(10):673-683. PMID: 13477342.
  • Klidjian AM, Foster KJ, Kammerling RM, Cooper A, Karran SJ. Relation of anthropometric and dynamometric variables to serious postoperative complications. Br Med J. 1980;281(6245):899-901. PMID: 7427501.
  • Stone J, Warlow C, Sharpe M. The symptom of functional weakness: a controlled study of 107 patients. Brain. 2010 May;133(Pt 5):1537-1551. doi:10.1093/brain/awq068. PMID 20395262.
  • Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
  • Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Research last updated September 9, 2026.

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Phalen Test
Rule in:MHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome
Rule out:MHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Tinel Test of the Wrist
aka Hoffmann-Tinel sign
Rule in:SHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome
Rule out:MHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Elbow Strength
Rule in:ICCervical Radiculopathy, NHDistal Biceps Tendon Rupture, IEDistal Triceps Tendon Rupture +1 more
Rule out:NHCervical Radiculopathy, ICDistal Biceps Tendon Rupture, IEDistal Triceps Tendon Rupture +1 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Shoulder Strength
Rule in:HInfraspinatus Tear, SHSupraspinatus Tear, IEBrachial Plexopathy +3 more
Rule out:HSupraspinatus Tear, NHInfraspinatus Tear, IEBrachial Plexopathy +3 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Tinel Test of the Elbow
aka Hoffmann-Tinel sign
Rule in:NHCubital Tunnel Syndrome
Rule out:NHCubital Tunnel Syndrome
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Biceps Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Biceps jerk
Rule in:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, SHCervical Radiculopathy, IECervical Myelopathy +2 more
Rule out:MHPeripheral Neuropathy, NHCervical Radiculopathy, IECervical Myelopathy +2 more