Article

AIM: To evaluate the effect of individualized resting mitt splints on
hypertonicity (spasticity and tissue stiffness) and passive range of motion
(PROM). METHODS: A randomized, single blinded, single case design. Ten adults
with acquired brain injury were randomized to control (no-splint) and experimental (splint) groups. The experimental group received an individualized
(wrist position, wearing schedule) thermoplastic resting mitt splint. Measures
included wrist and finger PROM, muscle stiffness (Modified Ashworth Scale), and
spasticity (Modified Tardieu Scale) which were taken at five time points.
RESULTS: Between-group analyses indicated a statistically significant effect on
PROM at the wrist (d = 2.14, CI(9)(5) = 0.57, 3.72, p < 0.05) and clinically
important effects on finger PROM, and wrist and finger spasticity and stiffness.
Within-group analyses indicated that splint-wear resulted in positive clinical
effects ranging from zero effect (maintenance of pre-splinting status) to a large
positive treatment effect. Non splint-wear resulted in negative clinical effects
ranging from zero effect to a large negative treatment effect. CONCLUSION:
Individualized resting splints for adults with moderate hypertonicity and no soft
tissue contracture resulted in positive clinical effects to PROM, muscle
stiffness and spasticity. Long-term splint-wear may be more beneficial than
short-term wear, and may prevent the negative changes evident with no
splint-wear. Resting hand splints should be considered for a select group where
reduction in muscle stiffness and spasticity, or maintenance of PROM, is desired.

Langue : ANGLAIS