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The effect of a thumb web spacer splint on hand function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy
Islam B Ali1, Fathy A Elshazly2, Mostafa S Ali1,2
1Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt.
Insights
A web spacer splint significantly improved hand function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP). This functional splint enhanced grasping and visual motor integration, leading to better overall fine motor skills.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Occupational Therapy
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP) often struggle with thumb abduction, leading to functional limitations.
- A web spacer splint is designed to maintain thumb abduction and web space, promoting a more functional hand position.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a web spacer splint in improving hand function among children with HCP.
Main Methods:
- Thirty children (ages 4-7) with HCP were randomized into a control group and a study group.
- Both groups received an 8-week treatment program; the study group additionally used a web spacer splint during therapy.
- Hand function was assessed using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale (PDMS-2).
Main Results:
- The study group showed significant improvements in grasping and visual motor integration compared to the control group.
- A notable increase in the total fine motor quotient was observed in the study group post-treatment (145.73 ± 15.04) versus the control group (86.93 ± 8.94).
Conclusions:
- Web spacer splints are a viable therapeutic tool for enhancing hand function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
- The use of splints can lead to measurable improvements in fine motor skills crucial for daily activities.
Objective:
Many children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP) cannot maintain thumb abduction and experience obstruction caused by the thumb remaining in the palm. A web spacer splint maintains the thumb web space and opposition of the thumb for a more functional position. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of a thumb web spacer as a functional splint on hand function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
Methods:
Thirty children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (ages 4-7 years) were randomly divided into two groups (a control group and a study group). The treatment program for the control group was administered for 45 min three times/week for 8 successive weeks and the study group underwent the identical treatment regimen as the control group, as well as wearing a web spacer splint during the treatment program. Thereafter, the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale (PDMS-2) was used to assess hand function.
Results:
Post-treatment values in the study group demonstrated a substantial improvement in grasping and visual motor integration in the PDMS-2 when compared to the control group. Therefore, there was a significant improvement in total fine motor quotient when compared post-treatment (86.93 ± 8.94, 145.73 ± 15.04) in the control and study groups, respectively (p > 0.05).
Conclusion:
A web spacer splint can be a viable tool for improving hand function in children with HCP.
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