Current trends in splinting the hand for children with neurological impairments.
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Date
2015
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Abstract
Aim: The study aimed to explore the current splinting practises as used as a
method of intervention for improving hand function in children with neurological
impairments within the South African context.
Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional design using an electronic selfadministered
questionnaire was utilised in order to address the objectives of this
study. The sample included Occupational therapists working within the paediatric
neurological field in South Africa. The study sample was collected through
convenience and snowball sampling in order to target therapists specifically
working in the area of paediatric neurology.
Results and Discussion: Forty therapists completed the survey in its entirety.
Therapists splint for various reasons and are in agreement that splints can be
effective in neurological cases. The 3 most prevalent splints are the functional
resting, thumb abductor and anti-spasticity splint with therapists mainly splinting to
maintain or improve ROM.
Conclusions: This study provides an insight into the splinting practices amongst
occupational therapists who work with neurologically impaired children. It shows
that therapists do choose to splint despite the controversy that surrounds splinting
in neurology and that many factors are considered during the decision-making
process.
Description
Master in Hand Rehabilitation. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville 2015.
Keywords
Pediatric neurology., Nervous system., People with disabilities--Functional assessment., Occupational therapy., Splints (Surgery), Theses--Occupational therapy., Neurological impairment.