Article

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of a neoprene thumb opponens splint on hand
function during a self-selected activities of daily living task in children with
unilateral spastic cerebral palsy with thumb-in-palm position of the affected
hand. DESIGN: Systematic evaluation of seven cases using a multiple baseline
design across individuals. SETTING: Outpatient clinic. SUBJECTS: Seven children
with unilateral cerebral palsy
(2-7 years old), Manual Ability Classification
System level 2-3 participated in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Neoprene thumb
opponens splints (McKie splint) were used. Children were followed for about four
months. Baseline period ranged from 4 to 9 weeks, intervention period was two
months and duration of follow-up one month. MAIN MEASURES: Hand function was
assessed using goal attainment scaling and visual analogue scales. Data was
assessed visually. RESULTS: In four children goal attainment scaling and/or
visual analogue scale scores increased after introducing the splint. These
effects remained when splints were not worn. Two children only benefited from the
splint when it was worn. Thumb opponens splints were tolerated well by all
children who participated in this study. CONCLUSIONS: Thumb opponens splints may
have a positive effect on hand function in children with unilateral spastic
cerebral palsy.

Langue : ANGLAIS