Wrist extensor orthoses: dexterity and grip strength across four styles

Area of Science:

• Orthotics and Prosthetics
• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Hand Therapy

Background:

• Wrist orthoses are crucial for stabilizing and supporting the wrist during functional activities.
• However, these devices can impede normal hand movement and function.
• Evaluating the impact of different orthoses on manual dexterity and grip strength is essential for optimizing patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the manual dexterity and grip strength of individuals using a free hand versus wearing four different wrist extensor orthoses.
• To identify which specific wrist orthosis design best preserves hand function.

Main Methods:

• Twenty female subjects participated in the study.
• Manual dexterity and grip strength were assessed under five conditions: free hand and wearing four distinct wrist extensor orthoses (Futuro prefabricated brace, volar thumbhole orthosis, volar orthosis with radial connector bar, dorsal orthosis with arch support).

Main Results:

• The Futuro prefabricated wrist brace demonstrated the best overall manual dexterity.
• All tested orthoses significantly reduced grip strength compared to a free hand.
• The Futuro brace provided the strongest grip strength among all tested orthoses.
• Among custom-made orthoses, the volar style with a radial connector bar yielded the best dexterity, and the volar thumbhole orthosis allowed for the strongest grip.

Conclusions:

• Wrist extensor orthoses impact manual dexterity and grip strength.
• The Futuro prefabricated wrist brace offers a favorable balance of dexterity and grip strength.
• Custom orthosis design choices, such as the volar style with a radial connector bar, can influence functional outcomes.