Evidence Base of Stroke and Hand Splinting

Post-stroke spasticity results in affected upper extremity posture which hinders daily activities and affects overall quality of life. Among the various rehabilitation options for management of spastic hand, orthosis have been widely used. Literature lacks specific guidelines for type of orthosis, wearing schedule and duration, and material use. Recent researches have emphasized that static splint use has no potential benefit in either reducing muscle tone or providing adequate stretch to shortened muscles and also adds to the discomfort of wearing the splint. Dynamic splinting prevents learned non-use as well as allows patient to use hand during functional activities while maintaining muscle length when no activity occurs. This necessitates the need for evidence based practice for splint use in stroke patients instead of splint prescriptions given by occupational therapists based on preference.