Effectiveness of Elbow Flexion-Extension Splint among Stiffness Elbow Patients

Abstract

A stiff elbow is a complication occurred after an injury or operation, it reduces ability of motion and muscle strength. As a result, patients use less arms and hands to perform them in their daily activities. Occupational therapy, therefore has modified static progressive splint from the thermoplastic in order to help increasing the ability of elbow movement. The patients are able to take the device home and reduce being hospitalized. Thus, this study aimed to identify the effects of an elbow flexion-extension splint on stiff elbow patients. A quasi - experimental research conducting a group of twenty participants and divided into ten participants for each experimental and control groups. The control group received a conventional program and a continuous passive motion of elbow machine. The experimental group received a conventional program and take the elbow flexion- extension splint home. Thai instruction version of functional arc motion and movement disabilities of the arms, shoulders and hands: (DASH) were examined before and after 3 months of follow-up. Demographic data analysis used descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney U test, comparing within and between groups. The results revealed that the target movement abilities of the arms, shoulders and hands were significantly different (p-value < 0.05). The elbow flexion-extension splint is useful for stiff elbows. In addition, the patients were able to use their arms and hands to work and perform in their daily activities.