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It is a "pictorial representation of the anatomical divisions of the primary motor cortex and the primary somatosensory cortex, i.e., the portion of the human brain directly responsible for the movement and exchange of sense and motor information (namely touch: sensitivity, cold, heat, pain etc.) of the rest of the body. There are two types of homunculus: sensory and motor. Each one shows a representation of how much of its respective cortex innervates certain body parts." (Wikipedia)
In short, it is a caricature of a "little man" whose body parts are drawn in size to represent the area of the sensory/motor cortex of the brain that innervates each respective body part. There are larger portions of the brain processing information received from some body parts compared to other body parts. One example of this is the hands, which have a very large representation on the brain's sensory/motor cortex.
With this in mind, will training grip engage a larger portion of your brain/Central Nervous System? Will grip strengthening assist with neural plasticity in patients or clients who have suffered a stroke and want to regain function? Will it enhance the development of motor/movement patterns for athletes? As a Physical Therapist and Personal Trainer, I have incorporated grip strengthening into all of my client's sessions. When working with someone who is in the initial recovery stages of a rotator cuff repair, usually the protocol begins with 6 weeks of passive range of motion, meaning, the client lays down while I move their shoulder. He/she is not allowed to actively move the shoulder on his/her own. But, he is allowed to move the elbow, wrist and hand. That is to maintain mobility/strength in the peripheral joints. But will incorporating grip strengthening also assist in shoulder rehab by stimulating a large portion of the motor cortex? Does working grip make neighboring joints, such as the shoulder stronger?
Try this: Next time you are performing a 1 arm shoulder press, as you approach fatigue, make a tight grip on both the working and the non-working hand. Does it make it easier to press the weight? Better yet, as you approach fatigue, tighten the grip on both hands, as well as clench your glutes and tighten your thighs. Even easier now, right? This "irradiation" technique can also be used with less functional clients who have difficulty transferring from a seated position to standing. Ask them to move from sit to stand. If they have difficulty, have them try again, this time while making 2 very tight fists. This has amazed many of my patients, as at first they barely are able to stand, and then magically the second time they practically shoot out of their seat. My advice is to incorporate grip techniques into every training session.
