Effect of a supination splint on upper limb function of cerebral palsy children after Botulinum Toxin A

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect a supination splint would have on upper limb function of cerebral palsy children for six months after receiving Botox® injections. Design Ten children attending weekly therapy enrolled in this prospective Quasi-experimental design where each child acted as his own control. Intervention was a supination splint and stretch massage. Assessment was based on pre- and post-intervention records of Modified Ashworth Scale, goniometry, Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST), and an independent panel assessment of videotaped records of hand function. Results Results show that spasticity declined in the forearm pronators, wrist flexors and thumb adductors. Active movement improved significantly in forearm supination and wrist extension. The QUEST demonstrated a significant change. Improvement in the hand function assessment was evident from the second month. Conclusion Findings support the premise that the supination splint is effective in improving upper limb function of cerebral palsy children after Botox® injections.