Article

OBJECTIVE: To assess initial efficacy and tolerability of a thumb opposition
splint on manual dexterity, perceived upper limb functioning and occupational
performance in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. DESIGN: One group
pre-post design. Patients and methodsThirteen patients were provided with a
neoprene opposition splint for their dominant hand. Manual dexterity (Sollerman
hand function test), perceived upper limb functioning (Michigan Hand Outcomes
Questionnaire) and occupational performance (Canadian Occupational Performance
Measure) were assessed after using the splint and compared with pre-treatment
scores (paired t-tests). Usability and tolerability were assessed with a
questionnaire. RESULTS: Sollerman test scores improved significantly from a mean
of 47 (standard deviation (SD) 11) to 52 (SD 12) points (norm 80 points) (p =
0.006). Perceived functioning in the domain activities of daily living (scale
0-100) improved significantly from 51 (SD 20) to 60 (SD 17) points (p = 0.04).
Both occupational performance and satisfaction scores improved significantly (p =
0.020). Efficacy did not relate to age, disease duration or severity. Subjects
were satisfied with splint cosmesis and comfort. CONCLUSION: These results
indicate that a thumb opposition splint can be applied effectively to improve
upper limb functioning in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Langue : ANGLAIS