Hand Splinting for Poststroke Spasticity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: To determine the effect of volar and dorsal splinting on the spasticity of the wrist flexor muscles in patients who had stroke. Method: Thirty-nine subjects were prospectively randomized to use a dorsal or volar splint or no splint (control group). All the patients underwent home-based exercise program, and the experimental groups used either dorsal or volar hand splints according to their distribution. The primary outcome measure was spasticity assessed clinically by the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and electrophysiologically by H latency and Hmax:Mmax ratio of flexor carpi radialis. Secondary outcome measure was passive range of motion (PROM) of wrist extension. Results: Spasticity parameters (MAS, H latency, Hmax:Mmax ratio) and wrist PROM were not significantly different among the groups. Conclusions: This study failed to demonstrate any statistically significant difference in spasticity or in wrist PROM of both the volar and dorsal splint groups. These splints could be recommended as part of an integrative approach without expecting a major clinical effect rather than as an alternative to other treatments.