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Technical and clinical function testing of hand orthoses in Sweden
Summary
The Swedish Institute for the Handicapped tested hand orthoses for clinical and technical function. Only a few wrist-driven and finger-driven orthoses met requirements for patient use.
Area of Science:
- Orthotics and Prosthetics
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Hand orthoses are crucial assistive devices for individuals with functional impairments.
- Standardized testing protocols are essential to ensure the efficacy and safety of hand orthoses.
- The Swedish Institute for the Handicapped at EFTO (Unit of Applied Orthotics) conducts rigorous evaluations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To technically and clinically evaluate the function of various hand orthoses.
- To determine which hand orthoses meet predefined requirement specifications for prescription.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for clinicians and patients.
Main Methods:
- Clinical testing involved patient medical records, functional assessments (Activities of Daily Living), and psychological evaluations.
- Technical testing included examination, dimensional inspection, mechanical, climatic, and durability tests.
- Test results were compared against specific requirement specifications for each orthosis type.
Main Results:
- Of 9 wrist-driven hand orthoses tested, only 2 (Orthotic System, USA; Jaeco Orthopedic Specialties, USA) were recommended.
- Both finger-driven hand orthoses tested (Orthomedics Inc., USA; Jaeco Orthopedic Specialties, USA) were recommended.
- Two of three electrical power units for hand orthoses were recommended (Hosmer/Dorrance, USA; EEN-Holmgren Orthopedic Inc., Sweden).
- One self-contained hand orthosis with the Een-Holmgren Actuating Unit was recommended.
Conclusions:
- Rigorous technical and clinical testing is vital for recommending effective hand orthoses.
- A significant number of commercially available hand orthoses do not meet the established requirement specifications.
- Specific models from Orthotic System, Jaeco Orthopedic Specialties, Orthomedics Inc., Hosmer/Dorrance, and EEN-Holmgren Orthopedic Inc. are recommended for prescription.