Correlations Between Maximal Isometric Strength and the Cross-Sectional Area of Lumbrical Muscles in the Hand

The lumbrical muscles contribute to the intrinsic plus position, that is simultaneous metacarpophalangeal (MCP) flexion and interphalangeal (IP) extension. The strength of the lumbrical muscles is necessary for normal hand function. However, there is no objective and efficient method of strength measurement for the lumbrical muscles. In addition, previous studies have not investigated the measurement of the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the lumbrical muscles using ultrasonography (US) and the relationship between lumbrical muscle strength in the intrinsic plus position and the CSA. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the measurement method of the CSA of the lumbrical muscles using US and to examine the relationship between maximal isometric strength and the CSA of lumbrical muscles. Nine healthy males participated in this study. Maximal isometric strength of the second, third, and fourth lumbrical muscles was assessed using a tensiometer in the intrinsic plus position which isolated MCP flexion and IP extension. The CSA of the lumbrical muscles was measured with an US. The US probe was applied on the palmar aspect of the metacarpal head with a transverse view of the hand in resting position. There was no significant difference between maximal isometric strength of the lumbrical muscles, but the fourth lumbrical muscle was stronger than the others. The CSA of the lumbrical muscles was significantly different and the fourth lumbrical muscle was significantly larger than the second lumbrical muscle. There was moderate to good correlation between maximal isometric strength and the CSA of the lumbrical muscles. Therefore, we conclude that maximal isometric strength of the lumbrical muscles was positively correlated to the CSA of the lumbrical muscle in each finger, while the measurement of the CSA of the lumbrical muscles, using US protocol in this study, was useful for measuring the CSA of the lumbrical muscles. The lumbrical muscles contribute to the intrinsic plus position, that is simultaneous metacarpophalangeal (MCP) flexion and interphalangeal (IP) extension. The strength of the lumbrical muscles is necessary for normal hand function. However, there is no objective and efficient method of strength measurement for the lumbrical muscles. In addition, previous studies have not investigated the measurement of the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the lumbrical muscles using ultrasonography (US) and the relationship between lumbrical muscle stren