Tolerance and effectiveness of a new dynamic hand-wrist orthosis in chronic stroke patients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate tolerance of a new dynamic hand-wrist orthosis and effectiveness on the prevention of progressive wrist contracture and spasticity after stroke.


METHODS
Chronic stroke patients (N = 6) with upper limb spasticity, who had not been able to endure a static orthosis, were provided with a custom-made dynamic orthosis. Tolerance of the orthosis was evaluated by the daily wearing time, and self-reported pain and spasticity. Effectiveness was measured by contracture of wrist and finger flexor muscles, upper limb spasticity and use of spasticity treatment. Outcome measures were collected at time of fitting of the dynamic orthosis (baseline) and after three and six months.


RESULTS
Five patients could endure the dynamic orthosis without discomfort for 6 hours daily during the 6-month period. Self-reported spasticity and pain decreased significantly (p < 0.05) compared to wearing the static orthosis. In comparison to baseline, the maximum passive wrist extension increased significantly from -29° to -12° (p < 0.05). Although, no significant change in spasticity was measured, the use of Botulinum Toxin injections decreased for two patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of the included chronic stroke patients tolerated the new dynamic orthosis for at least 6 hours daily and the use significantly reduced wrist contractures in a 6-month period.
Revant Rehabilitation Centre Breda, Breda, The Netherlands.
Aukje S
AS
Andringa
Ingrid G L
IG
Van de Port
Jan-Willem G
JW
Meijer
D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014953:Wrist / Q000503:physiopathology
Stroke; contracture; dynamic; orthosis; spasticity; upper extremity