3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/handle/10539/45
Browse
3 results
Search Results
Item Problems experienced with low-profile dynamic splints(1994) Van Velze, Cornelia AnnaMany patients have been supplied with dorsal dynamic finger extension splints for improvement of the range of motion of stiff finger joints, The design of the splint has been developed and improved over time, but the amount of force which was applied to a finger was determined intuitively. This research was undertaken to quantify the force exerted on a finger and to design a splint which would ensure that the amount of force exerted on a finger was constant and reliable. Since six studies were undertaken as part of the research, different protocols were developed for each. The findings of the studies can be summarised as follows: similar tensions in a variety of rubber bands can not oonsistently be identified; rubber bands which are more or less equal in length, thickness and width do not undergo the same amount of elongation when identical weights are attached to them; friction between the outrigger and the traction unit plays a major role in determining how much force is exerted on a finger; a layer of Teflon paint over the outrigger coupled with a nylon fishing line traction unit causes the least amount of friction; stainless steel tension springs provide a more reliable and consistent force than rubber bands. Finally a splint was designed, taking into account the results of the six studies. The splint consists of a thermoplastic base with Velcro attachment straps, a pre-notched copper coated welding rod dipped in Teflon paint at least 14 days before use, a traction unit made from a stainless steel tension spring with a tension of 3g/rnm, a piece of nylon fishing line and a finger sling. Although the splint was designed to ensure that the force exerted on a finger is consistent and quantifiable, it should still be tested clinically to ascertain whether the design is really practical.Item The effect of neoprene thumb abductor splints on upper limb function in children with cerebral palsy.(2014-04-25) Hughes, Ashleigh AnnHand function deficits are associated with Cerebral Palsy (CP), and lead to diminished participation in activities of daily living (ADL’s), play and school. A longitudinal experiment incorporating a pre-test-post-test design was used with a convenience sample of 28 children with spastic quadriplegic CP randomly assigned to two groups. Both groups received monthly occupational therapy and a home programme over the three month period, the intervention group received an additional neoprene thumb abductor splint. The Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) was administered at baseline and again at 3 months to assess changes in underlying impairments contributing to hand function. There were no statistically significant differences between final scores in the control and intervention groups, but a clinically significant improvement in score with the splint on for the intervention group was found. Wearing the splint during functional tasks may be beneficial in improving underlying impairments.Item Understanding the occupational therapists use of splinting the affected hand of adult patients with neurological injuries(2014-04-23) Chazen, Lee-AnneABSTRACT This study explored the clinical reasoning expert therapists use in relation to splinting the affected hand following neurological injury. An exploratory, descriptive, qualitative methodology was used in three focus groups with occupational therapists, experienced in neurorehabilitation. Data was analysed based on priori themes, specifically 1. The Model of Practice Development (Higgs and Titchen 2001b) - most value was placed on Procedural knowledge or clinical experience; reflection on protocols, working with and learning from others and having clear outcomes. Undergraduate training and current literature is insufficient to provide guidelines for practice. 2. The Three Track Model of Clinical Reasoning (Fleming 1991) –splinting was used to improve range of motion, maintain muscle length and affect muscle tone. Effectiveness of the splints depended on the patient’s response and the therapists’ ability to adapt to preferences and goals. Interactive reasoning was essential in understanding the South African context. The study provided guidelines for a newly qualified therapist.