A simple and useful hand orthosis for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A simple web spacer for thumb opposition weakness

Abstract

Purpose. To evaluate the clinical efficacy of simple web spacer for thumb opposition weakness in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Method. Observational survey.

Setting. Hospital in Japan.

Results. The average grip strength with and without the web spacer was 8.25 ± 1.74 kg and 8.13 ± 1.91 kg, respectively. The lateral pinch strength was 0.83 ± 0.45 kg and 0.93 ± 0.47 kg. The palp pinch strength was 0.37 ± 0.24 kg and 0.22 ± 0.16 kg. In observation of activities of daily living (ADL) the movements of fingers required for palp pinching such as grasping buttons, flipping the pages of a book, and picking up small things were more easily carried out when wearing.

Conclusions. The simple web spacer, which improves precision hand motion and facilitates grasping, should be considered in the treatment of patients with ALS.

Keywords:

• Orthosis
• amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• rehabilitation