Brief or new: two pronation splints.

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Assistive Technology
• Occupational Therapy

Background:

• Quadriplegic patients often have limited forearm pronation, hindering self-care and functional activities.
• Existing assistive devices may have limitations or be unsuitable for all patients.
• Pronation splints have been developed to address these specific functional deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and practicality of two pronation splint designs for quadriplegic patients.
• To compare the advantages and disadvantages of underarm versus over-the-arm pronation splints.
• To determine the suitability of pronation splints as an alternative to other assistive devices like the MAS.

Main Methods:

• Development and clinical use of two distinct pronation splint designs over a two-year period.
• Assessment of splint design, fabrication, ease of use, and patient acceptance.
• Evaluation of splint adjustability for different functional activities (e.g., feeding, typing).
• Consideration of combined use with wrist support splints for patients with wrist extensor weakness.

Main Results:

• Both splint designs were found to be appropriate alternatives for assisting quadriplegic patients.
• The first (underarm) splint was simple and hidden but had issues with snagging and slipping.
• The second (over-the-arm) splint resolved snagging/slipping issues but was more noticeable and complex to apply.
• Splint pronation is adjustable for various tasks, and Velcro straps ensure a secure fit.
• Splints require assistance for application and are not interchangeable between arms.

Conclusions:

• Pronation splints are effective assistive devices for quadriplegic individuals with sufficient upper extremity strength.
• The choice between splint designs depends on patient needs, prioritizing function, comfort, and aesthetics.
• Adjustable pronation splints enhance independence in self-care and functional activities for the target population.