For FES hand function, which muscles are typically stimulated?

For FES hand function, which muscles are typically stimulated?

• A. Flexor digitorum superficialis and EPL
• B. Flexor digitorum profundus and EIP
• C. Flexor digitorum superficialis and EPB
• D. FDS and FPL

Answer: (C)

In FES hand function, you want a pattern that closes the fingers to form a grip while positioning the thumb for a functional grasp and release. The flexor digitorum superficialis provides the finger flexion needed to curl the fingers into a grip. Pairing that with extensor pollicis brevis, which extends the thumb at the MCP joint, helps place the thumb in the right position for opposition and for releasing the grasp when needed. Other options don’t support this effective grip pattern as well: extending the index finger with extensor indicis isn’t helping the thumb-facing grasp, extending the thumb’s distal joint with extensor pollicis longus doesn’t position the thumb for a practical pinch as well as EPB does, and using a flexor like flexor pollicis longus would flex the thumb, not position it for a grasp.

In FES hand function, you want a pattern that closes the fingers to form a grip while positioning the thumb for a functional grasp and release. The flexor digitorum superficialis provides the finger flexion needed to curl the fingers into a grip. Pairing that with extensor pollicis brevis, which extends the thumb at the MCP joint, helps place the thumb in the right position for opposition and for releasing the grasp when needed.

Other options don’t support this effective grip pattern as well: extending the index finger with extensor indicis isn’t helping the thumb-facing grasp, extending the thumb’s distal joint with extensor pollicis longus doesn’t position the thumb for a practical pinch as well as EPB does, and using a flexor like flexor pollicis longus would flex the thumb, not position it for a grasp.