The simplest dexterity function is when the fingers or palm are used to exert forces without grasping. The movement and force are aligned in the same direction, so there is no requirement for a friction contact. There are three possible perpendicular directions in which a force can be applied.

Large forces can be achieved by using the body weight to help push away from the body, for example when opening a door. If the surface to be pushed is vertical, then either the palm of the hand must be aligned with the vertical surface, or the fingers must be used to transmit the force. Both of these can be a source of pain. The pushing force can be generated more comfortably if the surface is contoured to fit the hand with a neutral wrist position.

Pushing up and down is used to depress buttons and sliders, such as that required for a toaster. It is more comfortable to push down than up, because the wrist has to rotate 180 degrees if the palm is required to push upwards.

Pushing left or right can be required to push a button on the side of a product, or to push a product from side to side. It is easier to push things towards the body centre-line rather than away from it, because this wrist position is more natural.