Article

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of lycra(R) arm splint wear on goal
attainment and three dimensional (3D) kinematics of the upper limb and trunk in
children with cerebral palsy (CP). Randomised clinical trial whereby
participants were randomised to parallel groups with waiting list control.
Sixteen children with CP (hypertonia) aged 9 to 14 years.
Three months lycra arm splint wear combined with goal directed
training. Goal attainment scale, and 3D upper limb and
trunk kinematics across four upper limb movement tasks. RESULTS : 17/18 children
achieved their movement goals following three months of splinting. Selected joint
kinematics improved on immediate splint application. Further improvements in
joint kinematics were demonstrated following 3 months of splint wear,
particularly in elbow extension, shoulder flexion and abduction and in thorax
flexion. Only improvements in movement compensations at the thorax remained
following removal of the splint. CONCLUSIONS : The lycra(R) arm splint, made a
quantifiable change to the attainment of movement goals of importance to the
child. Furthermore, improvements were demonstrated in selected maximum range of
movement and joint kinematics during functional tasks at the elbow and shoulder
joints and thorax segment in children with CP.
Attelle

Langue : ANGLAIS