Question

How should the hands of a caregiver be placed during an attempt to facilitate a muscle contraction?

Answer 1

I think that the hands should be placed on top of the muscle that needs to be contracted. 

One of the exteroceptive stimulation techniques is MANUAL CONTACTS.

Under this technique, the hands will exert firm and deep pressure on the contact of the body where the muscle is located. This activates the tactile or touch receptors and muscle proprioceptors. This also facilitates muscle contractions; muscles that are directly under the hands and provides support  and security to unstable body parts or segments.