Biomechanical Evaluation of Dynamic Splint Based on Pulley Rotation Design for Management of Hand Spasticity

A dynamic splint is superior to traditional static splint, offering more benefits such as reduced spasticity, allowing comfortable stretch, repositioning fingers in extension positions, and increasing hand performance. This paper suggested the development of a dynamic splint based on a pulley rotati...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:IEEE transactions on neural systems and rehabilitation engineering 2021, Vol.29, p.683-689
Main Authors: Yang, Yu-Sheng, Emzain, Zakki Fuadi, Huang, Shyh-Chour
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomechanics
Clinical trials
Dynamic splint
Finite element method
Hand (anatomy)
hand spasticity
Hemorrhaging
Locking systems
Mathematical models
Muscles
pulley rotation
Pulleys
Rehabilitation
Rotation
Spasticity
Splints
Strain
Stress
Stroke
Stroke (medical condition)
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Summary:A dynamic splint is superior to traditional static splint, offering more benefits such as reduced spasticity, allowing comfortable stretch, repositioning fingers in extension positions, and increasing hand performance. This paper suggested the development of a dynamic splint based on a pulley rotation with a locking system as a home rehabilitation device to reduce hand spasticity in stroke patients. Moreover, this study consisted of two main activities: simulation using finite element analysis and clinical experimental trials. Eight stroke patients participated in 4 weeks of intervention using the proposed dynamic splint for a combined total of least 3 hours per day at home. Outcome measures included Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. After 4 weeks of wearing, participants were also asked to fill out a satisfaction questionnaire. The results showed that wearing this proposed dynamic splint over 4 weeks, the hand function of participants increased significantly(p < 0.05), and the spasticity of the hand muscles decreased significantly(p < 0.05). With an overall rating of 8 out of 10 points, stroke participants had a high level of satisfaction with this home-use dynamic splint. The findings indicated that stroke patients who used this proposed splint showed substantial changes in hand function and reduced hand spasticity.
ISSN:1534-4320
1558-0210
DOI:10.1109/TNSRE.2021.3068453