Comparing the Efficacy of Various Hand Splints in Post Stroke Recovery

Abstract

Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States, according to the CDC, and causes reduced mobility in half of all survivors age 65 and over. Additionally, most stroke survivors suffer from impaired upper extremity function, and this debilitating impairment limits persons with stroke from performing basic activities of daily living; as a result, their quality of life is reduced. Splinting seeks to aid persons with stroke in gaining critical hand function through shaping the hand properly, reducing joint pain, preventing or treating muscle contracture and spasticity, and providing assistance. While there are many splints designed for persons with stroke currently commercially available, a majority of them can be classified as part of one of two categories: static splints and dynamic splints. To examine how effective each kind of splint is at improving upper limb function after stroke, we reviewed the various designs of static and dynamic splints, their functionality, and mechanics, and summarized the study results from the literature. We also discussed both the current limitations of each design of splint, as well as designs and treatments that could be developed in the future.