Article

Repetitive task-specific training appears to improve upper extremity function
among individuals with neurological injuries. However, treatment options are
limited for neurological patients who cannot effectively incorporate their hand
consistently for functional grasp and release/prehension activities. Traditional
therapy approaches are not considered to be effective in controlled clinical
trials. However, constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) has shown to be a
successful treatment approach for patients who exhibit some wrist and finger
extension. The vast majority of stroke survivors, head injury and incomplete
spinal cord Injury patients do not exhibit sufficient wrist and/or finger
extension to qualify for CIMT. Patients with moderate to severe upper extremity
hemiparesis are therefore unable to benefit from the latest advances in
neuro-rehabilitation. The SaeboFlex and SaeboReach Functional Dynamic Orthoses
have the biomechanical advantage in allowing prehension/grasp and release
activities for individuals with moderate to severe hemiparesis. These orthoses
are designed to position the neurological wrist and fingers into extension for
proper functional training.
This article describes Saebo's functional dynamic
orthoses--the SaeboFlex, SaeboReach, and the SaeboStretch dynamic resting hand
splint for contracture prevention--and summarizes developing evidence for the
orthoses in the clinic/rehabilitation environment. This is a review article.

Langue : ANGLAIS