Which pattern describes the flexor synergy pattern for the upper extremity?

Which pattern describes the flexor synergy pattern for the upper extremity?

• A. Shoulder: scapular retraction and elevation, UE abduction, UE external rotation; Elbow: flexion; Forearm: supination; Wrist: flexion; Fingers: flexion
• B. Shoulder: scapular protraction and depression, UE adduction, and internal rotation; Elbow: extension; Forearm: pronation; Wrist: flexion or extension; Fingers: flexion or extension
• C. Hip: flexion, abduction, external rotation; Knee: flexion; Ankle: dorsiflexion and inversion; Toes: extension
• D. Shoulder: protraction and elevation, elbows extended, wrists extended

Answer: (A)

The question tests you on recognizing the upper-extremity flexor synergy pattern that appears after a motor cortex or corticospinal tract lesion. In this synergy, the arm tends to move into a flexed posture across several joints: the shoulder goes into abduction with external rotation while the scapula elevates and retracts; the elbow flexes; the forearm supinates; and the wrist and fingers flex. This combination reflects the coordinated, stereotyped pattern seen in the flexor synergy. The described movements in the option align with that pattern: shoulder moves into abduction with external rotation and the scapula elevates and retracts; the elbow flexes; the forearm moves into supination; and the wrist and fingers are in flexion. By contrast, the alternative describes shoulder adduction with internal rotation, elbow extension, and forearm pronation with wrist/finger movements that could be flexed or extended—characteristic of the extensor synergy rather than the flexor pattern. The remaining choices depict movements not characteristic of the upper-extremity flexor synergy (and one describes lower-extremity patterns).

The question tests you on recognizing the upper-extremity flexor synergy pattern that appears after a motor cortex or corticospinal tract lesion. In this synergy, the arm tends to move into a flexed posture across several joints: the shoulder goes into abduction with external rotation while the scapula elevates and retracts; the elbow flexes; the forearm supinates; and the wrist and fingers flex. This combination reflects the coordinated, stereotyped pattern seen in the flexor synergy.

The described movements in the option align with that pattern: shoulder moves into abduction with external rotation and the scapula elevates and retracts; the elbow flexes; the forearm moves into supination; and the wrist and fingers are in flexion. By contrast, the alternative describes shoulder adduction with internal rotation, elbow extension, and forearm pronation with wrist/finger movements that could be flexed or extended—characteristic of the extensor synergy rather than the flexor pattern. The remaining choices depict movements not characteristic of the upper-extremity flexor synergy (and one describes lower-extremity patterns).