Illllllediate Effects of Positioning Devices on the N orlllal and Spastic Hand Measured by Electrolllyography ( volar splint , cone , finger spreader , eVA , hypertonus )

There is a continuing controvers), in the literatwe and in clinical practice about whether positioning devices are effectIVe in decreasing spasticity and, If so, whlCh type is most effective. In this study, the immediate effects of a volar resting splint, a finger s/Jreader, a firm cone, and no deuice were com.pared on eight normal and four hemiplegic subJects. Electromyography (EivIC) was used to measure flexor muscle activity of the tested forearm while the subjects squeezed a gmsp meter with the contmlateral hand and during the following relaxation pen ad. Results showed sig;niflcantly greater EMC activity for the finger spreader compared to no device in the flexor carpi radialis of normal subjects dunng the grasping period. HemiplegiC subjects did not show significantly less EAIC actiVity when using positioning devices com/Jared to no deuice. 1n fart, the volar splint appeared to increase the EMC ac17vity while the subJects were grasping. Deborah J. Bolding