Splinting:
Studies have investigated if it was possible to affect dyspraxia or arm- and hand stereotypies with the help of lever arch brace(s) and hand splints/braces. The purpose would be to inhibit or prevent stereotype movements to support the ability to take part the activity (Activity - Occupational therapy, n.d.).
Aron (1990) and Sharpe (1992) both concluded that lever arch braces offer positive results. Aron's (1990) results were that hand stereotypies were reduced; lever arch braces prevented self harm behaviours; several cases were seen where the children could more easily reach, grasp and play with toys. The study of Naganuma & Billingsleys (1998) showed that hand splints with the thumb abducted reduced hand stereotype movements. However, repeating that studies (Tuten & Miedaner, 1989) found no effect on hand stereotypies. With contradicting results, it appears that the positive results from using lever arch braces are unique to individual however, when it works it plays an influential role in enabling participation in the client.
Splinting the hand and or the elbow can greatly impact the child's functional movement. Splinting may be use in conjunction with feeding interventions to improve grasp and control movement.
Studies have investigated if it was possible to affect dyspraxia or arm- and hand stereotypies with the help of lever arch brace(s) and hand splints/braces. The purpose would be to inhibit or prevent stereotype movements to support the ability to take part the activity (Activity - Occupational therapy, n.d.).
Aron (1990) and Sharpe (1992) both concluded that lever arch braces offer positive results. Aron's (1990) results were that hand stereotypies were reduced; lever arch braces prevented self harm behaviours; several cases were seen where the children could more easily reach, grasp and play with toys. The study of Naganuma & Billingsleys (1998) showed that hand splints with the thumb abducted reduced hand stereotype movements. However, repeating that studies (Tuten & Miedaner, 1989) found no effect on hand stereotypies. With contradicting results, it appears that the positive results from using lever arch braces are unique to individual however, when it works it plays an influential role in enabling participation in the client.
Splinting the hand and or the elbow can greatly impact the child's functional movement. Splinting may be use in conjunction with feeding interventions to improve grasp and control movement.
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Above are videos of Caroline, a young girl diagnosed with RTT using her arm brace to increase functional movement.
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References Activity - Occupational therapy. (n.d.). Rett Center / Rett syndrome. Retrieved July 27, 2014, from http://rettcenter.se/en/rettsyndrome/treatment/activity.htm
Aron, A. (1990). The use and effectiveness of elbow splints in the Rett syndrome. Brain Development, 12, 162-163.
Naganuma, G. M., Billingsley, F. F. (1988). Effects of hand splints on stereotypic hand behavior of three girls with Rett syndrome. Physical Therapy, (68), 5, 664-671.
Sharpe, A., P. (1992). Comparative effects of bilateral hand splints and elbow orthorsis on stereotypic hand movements and toy play in two children with Rett syndrome. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 46, 134-140.
Tuten, H., Miedaner, J. (1989). Effects of hand splints on stereotypic hand behavior of girls with Rett syndrome: A replication study. Physical Therapy, (69), 12, 107-110.
Images and video:
Image from
http://www.dejana.nl/prde_1.htm
Videos from
http://ourcarolinelily.blogspot.ca/2011/09/arm-braces-helping-with-hand-use.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References Activity - Occupational therapy. (n.d.). Rett Center / Rett syndrome. Retrieved July 27, 2014, from http://rettcenter.se/en/rettsyndrome/treatment/activity.htm
Aron, A. (1990). The use and effectiveness of elbow splints in the Rett syndrome. Brain Development, 12, 162-163.
Naganuma, G. M., Billingsley, F. F. (1988). Effects of hand splints on stereotypic hand behavior of three girls with Rett syndrome. Physical Therapy, (68), 5, 664-671.
Sharpe, A., P. (1992). Comparative effects of bilateral hand splints and elbow orthorsis on stereotypic hand movements and toy play in two children with Rett syndrome. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 46, 134-140.
Tuten, H., Miedaner, J. (1989). Effects of hand splints on stereotypic hand behavior of girls with Rett syndrome: A replication study. Physical Therapy, (69), 12, 107-110.
Images and video:
Image from
http://www.dejana.nl/prde_1.htm
Videos from
http://ourcarolinelily.blogspot.ca/2011/09/arm-braces-helping-with-hand-use.html