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Tendon Gliding Exercises (Finger)

Draftmobility80%beginner⬤ moderate evidence
View FHIR resourceFHIR R4 ActivityDefinition — the interoperable form of this exercise

Positions & Range of Motion

Start
seated with the wrist quiet and neutral, fingers extended straight
End
cycled through five finger shapes in order (straight → hook fist → full fist → tabletop → straight fist), holding each ~3 s
Range of Motion
full active finger flexion/extension through five differential-glide positions with the wrist held still

How to Perform

Systematic progression through hand positions to maximize differential tendon excursion: straight → hook fist → full fist → tabletop → straight fist. Active four-finger mobilization produces 23.4 mm median FDP excursion vs 10.0 mm for modified Kleinert. Very low-certainty evidence for all flexor tendon rehab protocols.

Watch on YouTube↗

Opens a YouTube search for “Tendon Gliding Exercises (Finger)”

Starting position: seated

Coaching Cues

  1. 1

    Quiet wrist — tendons glide differentially through each shape

    (verbal)
  2. 2

    Cycle the hand through five precise shapes in order

    (verbal)
  3. 3

    Hold each position for three seconds before changing

    (verbal)
  4. 4

    Tendons slide like ropes through a pulley with each shape

    (visual)

Evidence-Based Dosing & EMG Data

Recommended Dosing

40-80 cycles per session, 4-6 sessions daily in early post-repair protocol [Tang 2021]

EMG Activation Data

FDP excursion: 23.4 mm active 4-finger mobilization vs 10.0 mm modified Kleinert [Korstanje 2012]

Muscles Involved (4)

Primary Movers

Flexor Digitorum Superficialis— PIP flexion during fist positions
Flexor Digitorum Profundus— DIP flexion — maximum excursion during full fist
Extensor Digitorum— Active extension between positions

Synergists & Assistors

Lumbricals (Hand)Synergist— MCP flexion with IP extension during tabletop position

Easier Variations ↓

1

Passive Gliding

Use the other hand to assist the motion through each position.

Harder Variations ↑

1

Resisted Gliding

Squeeze therapy putty in the fist positions for added resistance.

Target Movements (6)

Finger Flexion (MCP)Metacarpophalangeal Joints
Finger Extension (MCP)Metacarpophalangeal Joints
Finger Flexion (DIP)Distal Interphalangeal Joints
Finger Flexion (PIP)Proximal Interphalangeal Joints
Finger Extension (DIP)Distal Interphalangeal Joints
Finger Extension (PIP)Proximal Interphalangeal Joints

Why This Exercise Matters

Everyday activities this exercise helps you do — essential means it directly trains the capacity the task needs:

Gripping a Cup

Goals This Helps With

Rehab, performance, prevention, and mobility goals this exercise supports — essential means it's a cornerstone:

Carpal Tunnel / Wrist Nerve Symptomsrehab

Evidence Sources (2)