The purpose of this study was to investigate the gliding characteristics of flexor tendons within the carpal tunnel with varied wrist positions and tendon motion styles, which may help us to understand the relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and repetitive hand motion. Eight fresh human cadaveric wrists and hands were used. The peak (PGR) and mean (MGR) gliding resistance of the middle finger flexor digitorum superficialis tendon were measured with the wrist in 0, 30, and 608 of flexion and extension. While moving all three fingers together, the PGR at 608 flexion was significantly higher than that at 0, 30, or 608 extension. While moving the middle finger alone, the PGR at 60 and 308 flexion was significantly higher than the PGR at 608 extension. The PGR moving the middle finger FDS alone was significantly greater than that for all three digits moving together in 0, 30, and 608 flexion. Differential finger motion with wrist flexion elevated the tendon gliding resistance in the carpal tunnel, which may be relevant in considering the possible role of wrist position and activity in the etiology of CTS. ß