Which muscle group would benefit from resistive exercise following a radial nerve injury at the lateral humeral epicondyle?

Following a radial nerve injury at the lateral humeral epicondyle, the wrist extensors are particularly affected since the radial nerve innervates these muscles, which are responsible for extending the wrist and fingers. A resistive exercise program aimed at the wrist extensors is beneficial after such an injury as it helps to restore strength, function, and range of motion.

The rationale behind focusing on the wrist extensors aligns with the typical presentation of motor dysfunction caused by a radial nerve injury, which often leads to wrist drop—a condition in which the person cannot extend their wrist or fingers. Therefore, implementing resistive exercises specifically targeting the wrist extensors can facilitate recovery by strengthening these muscles, improving motor control, and enhancing overall functional ability of the upper extremity.

In contrast, the other muscle groups listed do not directly suffer from the effects of a radial nerve injury at the lateral humeral epicondyle. While elbow flexors and extensors and wrist flexors have their own rehabilitation needs, the priority for rehabilitation after a radial nerve injury should focus primarily on the wrist extensors.