The effect of wrist immobilization on performance of the Jebsen Hand Function Test

Eighteen normal subjects participated in a study designed to monitor the effect of wrist motion on the time required to complete manual tasks from the Jebsen Hand Function Test. Activities were performed with the wrist free and with the wrist immobilized by a commercially available splint. The results showed a statistically significant increase in time to do the tasks during immobilization when compared to the free condition. There was great variation in patterns of motion between individuals. Treatment implications include individual consideration of position of wrist immobilization for splinting, proper length and fit of splint designed to immobilize, and the importance of practice in tasks following loss of wrist motion.