Power Grip and Precision Handling

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Abstract
On the basis of a fresh analysis of the pattern of movement and posture of the human hand, a distinction is suggested between power-grip and precision-handling. In the former, a dynamic, initial phase can be distinguished from a static, terminal phase, and the position of the fingers depends upon the shape of the object; in the latter there is no static phase. The dynamic phase includes the opening of the hand, the positioning of the fingers, and the grasping of the object. The functional anatomical processes of these movements have been subjected to closer analysis. The finger represents a chain of joints, bridged by bi-articular and polyarticular tendons. Two biarticular systems can be discerned: that of the metacarpophalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint, with the proximal phalanx as the intercalated bone; and that of the interphalangeal joints, with the middle phalanx as the intercalated bone. The latter is a co-ordinated system, but in the former two joints can be moved independently. Abductions in the metacarpophalangeal joint are accompanied by rotations. The movements involved in "gripping" and "handling" are further analysed, with remarks on the position of the grasping hand in relation to the forearm, and the specific manner in which the object or tool is to be used.

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