title: The effect of an inhibitive weight-bearing splint on tone and function: a single-case study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This single-case study was designed to duplicate Smelt's (1989) study of the effects of the application of an inhibitive weight-bearing splint on upper-extremity muscle tone and function in a child with cerebral palsy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data on tone were collected by tracing the hand when weight bearing in the extended arm posture. Data on function were collected by observing block play for active grasp and voluntary release and ball play.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results indicate that after the application of an inhibitive weight-bearing splint, tone changed minimally, fine motor functional task changes were variable, and arm-hand position improved. Subjective reports by family and other caregivers, however, suggest that tone decreased and function increased.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study suggest the need to find more accurate means of measuring changes of tone and function in children with cerebral palsy. Selection criteria for suitable candidates for the weight-bearing splint are presented.
authors.affiliation: Preschool Treatment Services, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Canada.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kinghorn
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Roberts
mesh_terms: D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D009129:Muscle Tonus; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013165:Splints; D016474:Weight-Bearing