The Effectiveness of Inflatable Pressure Splints on Motor Function in Stroke Patients

The effectiveness of inflatable pressure splints was assessed by comparing upper extremity function in 18 subjects with hemiplegia. Matched pairs of subjects were randomly assigned to a splint or non-splint treatment condition. The splinted group had the splint applied for 30 minutes, 5 days a week, for 3 weeks, while the non-splint group received no treatment. Analysis of variance with repeated measures showed no statistically significant differences in mean change in upper extremity sensation, pain, and motor function from week 0 to week 3 between the splint and non-splint groups. These results are consistent with a previous finding in which a shorter treatment time period of 1 week was used. Suggestions for further research are discussed.