Application of upper-limb dynamic pseudoelastic splinting in the treatment of stroke chronic patient: a pilot assessment

Purpose: The chronic sequelae of stroke are often a strong limitation to patient's quality of life. New non-invasive elective treatments are required to support postural and functional improvements long after the primary insult. This study is an uncontrolled pilot evaluation of pseudoelastic orthotics for post-stroke upper-limb rehabilitation. Materials and methods: Six chronic hemiplegic patients (3.8 ± 1.7 years since stroke) were evaluated with clinical scales, covering the ICF domains of body functions and structures (Modified Ashworth Score [MAS], Medical Research Council Scale for Muscle Strength, Fugl-Meyer [FM], Motricity Index [MI]), activities (Wolf Motor Function Test [WMF], Motor Activity Log [MAL]) and participation (quality of life questionnaires); sensors applied to the orthosis were used to assess changes in the articular and functional domains over a month's treatment. Results: Significant gains were achieved in elbow spasticity (MAS, p =.020), upper-limb motor function (FM, p =.005), reaching task (p =.035), and gait (p =.00046) speed. Most patients improved in functional tasks (WMF), but this did not reflect in daily-life activities as measured with MAL. Some patients reported an improved quality of life, especially the quality of sleep. Conclusions: Pseudoelastic orthoses could be a comfortable and useful adjunct in the long-term management of stroke. Broader trials will have to confirm these preliminary observations.Implications for rehabilitation Use of new materials in neuromuscular rehabilitation. Customised and adjustable therapeutic action obtained with dynamic personalised orthoses. Non-invasive interventions could be of help for patients with chronic disability.