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Updated: Oct 13, 2026
Clinical Efficacy of Tissue-Bone Homeostasis Manipulation on Soft Tissue Balance and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis
Published on: June 16, 2026
Randomized controlled trial of daily total end range time (TERT) for Capener splinting of the stiff proximal
Celeste Glasgow1, Jenny Fleming, Leigh R Tooth
1Hand and Upper Limb Rehabilitation Unit, EKCO Occupational Services, Brisbane, Queensland 4000 Australia. celesteg@tpg.com.au
Objective:
Capener splinting is a common treatment for extension deficit of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. This study compared the effect of daily splint total end range time (TERT) of 6-12 hr versus 12-16 hr.
Method:
Twenty-two participants with extension deficits of the PIP joint were randomly allocated to a daily TERT of 6-12 hr or 12-16 hr. Progress after 8 wk of splinting was evaluated.
Results:
No significant difference was found in change in extension range of motion (ROM) between groups (active ROM, F[4, 17] = 2.19, p = .13; passive ROM, F[4, 17] = 0.95, p = .46; torque ROM, F[4, 17] = 1.49, p = .26). Considerable crossover between groups resulted in a similar average daily TERT (9.5 hr for the 6-12 hr group vs. 11.5 hr for the 12-16 hr group).
Conclusion:
Further research with a larger sample is needed to determine whether longer daily TERT is beneficial. Our results suggest, however, that most patients find it difficult to wear splints >12 hr/day.
