Application of functional glove in an individual with paralysis of the hand and wrist: a pilot study

Abstract

One of the interventions used by occupational therapist in the rehabilitation program of individuals with physical dysfunction is orthosis fabrication and prescription. However, hand functional orthoses has proven itself one of the great challenges of the rehabilitation process due to the complexity of the human hand. The motivation for this work was based on the results of in vitro tests performed with the prototype of the Functional Glove, which showed great potential in enabling the extension and flexion of the fingers in patients with hand paralysis. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of Functional Glove in an individual who did not present active movements in hand and wrist. We conducted a pilot study, applying the following instruments: Test for Performing Unimanuals Activities, Test for Performing Bimanuals Activities and a Satisfaction Questionnaire. The patient was able to control the opening and closing the hand through the myoelectric signal of the muscles selected for their activation and managed to play with the orthose Functional Glove, one-hand and bimanual activities. The result of the satisfaction questionnaire showed patient satisfaction with the orthose Functional Glove.