Open AccessImmediate and short‐term effects of three commercial wrist extensor orthoses on grip strength and function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Author(s) -
Stern Erica B.,
Ytterberg Steven R.,
Krug Hollis E.,
Mullin Gerald T.,
Mahowald Maren L.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1790090109
Subject(s) - grip strength , wrist , medicine , rheumatoid arthritis , hand strength , physical therapy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , muscle strength , surgery
Objective . To investigate the immediate and shortterm effects of 3 commercial wrist orthoses on grip strength and function. Methods . Thirty‐six patients with definite rheumatoid arthritis participated in the randomized, controlled, cross‐over design study of 3 commercial wrist extensor orthoses. Dominant‐hand dynamometric grip strength was assessed at both initial and followup sessions while splinted and nonsplinted. Functional impact was assessed using a written questionnaire. Results . All 3 commercial orthoses reduced grip strength when first donned. After a 1‐week adjustment period, one orthosis, the Smith and Nephew Roylan D‐Ring® (Roylan), afforded splinted grip strength equal to that of the nonsplinted grip strength. The other 2 orthoses continued to reduce grip strength, and afforded splinted grip strength significantly below that of the Roylan. The Roylan was deemed comfortable by more subjects than the other orthoses. Conclusions . The belief that commercial orthotic use increases grip strength, either immediately or after 1 week, is not supported by this study's data. Different styles of commercial wrist orthoses appear to have differing influence on splinted grip strength.