Not in SENIAM Forearm Left

M. Flexor Digitorum Superficialis

Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (FDS L)

The M. Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (Flexor Digitorum Superficialis) is a muscle of the forearm region. It is responsible for flexion at the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) of fingers II-V, wrist flexion. This muscle is not covered by the official SENIAM catalogue — placement is based on established clinical literature. This page documents the exact electrode position, anatomical attachments and a standardized test movement based on Hermens et al. (2000).

Function

Flexion at the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) of fingers II-V, wrist flexion

Opposite side: FDS R

Rotate the body, see the electrode position in place — and check the neighbouring muscles right away. View in 3D Viewer

Electrode Placement (SENIAM)

Proximal to the wrist crease, medial forearm side

Orientation: Parallel to the forearm

Recording notes per Criswell 2011, site „Flexor Digitorum Superficialis“, p. 332

Placement type: Quasi-specific site Neighbouring muscles contribute noticeably to the signal — allow for crosstalk.
Signal check: Flex the fingers while avoiding wrist flexion.
Crosstalk from: flexor carpi radialis — crosstalk is certain if placed too radially

Based on SENIAM recommendations (Hermens et al. 2000). Not an official SENIAM product. See all references → · How electrodes are placed (guide) · Glossary

Go deeper Specific, Quasi-Specific, General — The Three Types of Surface EMG Placement → Can I Measure This Muscle With Surface EMG? →

All 47 muscle protocols as a PDF — free

Print-ready for the lab or clinic: 75 pages of protocols (SENIAM + peer-reviewed), plus the SENIAM table, a placement checklist and a sensor comparison sheet as A4 sheets.

Anatomy

Origin Medial epicondyle of the humerus, coronoid process of the ulna, radius Insertion Middle phalanges of fingers II-V (lateral surfaces)

Test Movement

Finger flexion at the middle joint against resistance

This muscle has no SENIAM-standardized electrode position. Placement should be based on anatomical knowledge.

MVC reference test (Konrad 2005)

Position: Seated or kneeling in front of a bench with the forearm resting on a stable support.
Fixation: Forearm fully supported; wrist free to work against the resistance.
Resistance: Manual resistance, a barbell or a cable/belt against the wrist or hand.
Control exercise: Use the latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major tests as control exercises.

Konrad treats the forearm flexors and extensors as one group; wrist flexion for the flexors, wrist extension for the extensors.

Konrad P. The ABC of EMG. Noraxon; 2005, p. 31. Konrad describes this test at group level; it applies to all muscles of the group. · Why and how to normalise to MVC

Measure M. Flexor Digitorum Superficialis activity live

The electrode is placed — what next? easyEMG visualises muscle activity in real time, with SENIAM-compliant placement guidance, up to 4 channels at once and biofeedback training right afterwards.

In therapy, this muscle is usually about tone regulation and consciously relaxing below a threshold.

EMG biofeedback in therapy → What is EMG biofeedback?

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I place the EMG electrode on the M. Flexor Digitorum Superficialis?

Proximal to the wrist crease, medial forearm side. Orientation: Parallel to the forearm. Placement based on anatomical landmarks.

Which test movement activates the M. Flexor Digitorum Superficialis?

Finger flexion at the middle joint against resistance. It serves as a signal check before recording: with correct electrode placement the EMG amplitude rises clearly during this movement.

Is the M. Flexor Digitorum Superficialis a SENIAM-recommended muscle?

No. No published sEMG recommendation exists for this muscle. Placement is based on anatomical landmarks and clinical practice.