Effects of dorsal static splint on spasticity and range of motion of upper extremity of children with cerebral palsy in three time periods

Cerebral Palsy [CP] is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by non-progressive lesions in single or multiple locations in the immature brain. Lesions of motor cortex and pyramidal tracts can lead to spasticity. Inhibition of spasticity is necessary to increase extremity mobilization, prevent postural abnormalities and provide independence in daily living activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of volar static splint spasticity and range of motion of upper extremity in children with Cerebral palsy in three periods of time. The design of this study was experimental and repeated measurements. Ten children with Cerebral palsy aging 4-6 years old were non-randomly selected among children referred to occupational therapy Clinic of rehabilitation Faculty of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Children used dorsal static splint for three months [2 hours at day and 4 hours at night]. In this study, Modified Ashworth Scale was used to evaluate spasticity and a Goniometre was used to measure passive range of motion. The results of this study showed significant reduction in the upper limb spasticity after 2 months [p

[Test-retest reliability of the Purdue Pegboard test in drug on-phase for patients with Parkinson's disease]

Parkinson's disease [PD] is a common progressive neurodegenerative disorder, which its onset is later in adults and it's incidence increases in people aged between 55 and 60 years. Dexterity, because of it's role at upper extremity function and person independency in function, is assessed in rehabilitation. Purdue-Pegboard test often is used in rehabilitation clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability and practice effects of the Purdue Pegboard test in persons with PD. 24 PD patients aging 5- 89 of both sexes were non-randomly selected from rehabilitation clinics and hospitals of Tehran. A demographic questionnaire was used for documenting patient's general data and the Purdue pegboard test and a timer were used for determining of reliability. Each subtest was administered three times in a row. The time distance between test and retest was one week. The relative reliability in repeated measures was above 90% in different items of Purdue pegboard test in single and mean of testes in off phase, thus indicates an excellent reliability. The absolute reliability [SEM] was lower than 10% of maximum obtained scores at each subtest in one and three trial of test that indicates acceptable errors of measurement. The results of the present study indicate that Purdue Pegboard test is enough reliable in evaluating a manual dexterity of Parkinson patients in drug on-phase

Effects of volar static splint on function and spasticity of upper extremity of hemiplegic adults

Stroke, despite recent advances in medical technology is a problem of public health systems. Stroke is a neurological dysfunction by vascular origin and its signs and symptoms corresponding to the damaged areas of the brain. Prevalence of spasticity after stroke has been reported in 39% of patients. The upper limb of 50% of patients with stroke remains without function due to spasticity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of volar static splint on function and spasticity of upper extremity in hemiplegic adults. The design of this study was experimental and repeated measurement. Fifteen patients with stroke aging 41-85 years old of both sexes were no randomly selected from rehabilitation clinics and hospitals of Tehran. The patients used a volar static splint [10 degree of wrist extension, full extension of fingers and abduction and opposition of thumb] two mounts [2 hours at day and 4 hours at night]. In this study Modified Ashworth Scale was used to evaluate spasticity. A Goniometre was used to measure passive range of motion. Upper extremity function was evaluated by Fugl-Meyer Test. The results of this study showed significant reduction in wrist and elbow spasticity [p<0.0001], significant increase in wrist and elbow passive range of motion [p<0.0001 and p<0.002, respectively] and upper limb function [p<0.0001]. This study shows that 2 months using of volar static splint in patients with chronic stroke has significant effects on reduction of wrist and elbow spasticity, increasing passive range of motion of these joints and upper limb function. It seems that application of this splint is useful for improvement of upper limb function in chronic hstroke patients