The use of dynamic orthoses following stroke to improve upper limb function: A Saebo Flex study
Kelly De Santis1 1Monash Health, Dandenong, Victoria, Australia
Abstract
Introduction/Rationale:
Functional recovery of the moderate to severely impaired upper limb following stroke is one of the greatest challenges in stroke rehabilitation. Saebo flex is a dynamic orthosis that assists patients who have limited hand movement to participate in grasping activity with a high number of repetitions. There is no clear data reporting on the outcomes to inform practice.
Objectives:
To evaluate the impact of the intervention on upper limb function, quality of life, carer stress and community integration outcomes in people presenting with moderate to severely impaired upper limbs post stroke.
Method:
A multi health network, multi-site non-experimental pre-test post-test study design was used. Quantitative patient data was collected at admission and discharge points, with participant’s undertaking an individualised program of 20 sessions across 10 weeks of the intervention. Primary outcome was The WOLF Motor Function Test (WMFT). Secondary measures were grip and pinch strength, quality of life, care giver strain and pain (Visual Analog Scale).
Results/Practice Implications:
Fifteen patients completed the study. The estimated mean difference in WMFT ability score was 9.2 points (95% CI 5.3, 13.1), p-value<0.001. There was strong evidence for a difference in WMFT ability score before and after the intervention. Community integration, grip and pinch strength also improved, but not significantly.
Conclusion:
Saebo Flex showed promise in improving upper limb function, and to a lesser degree grip strength and community integration. Future studies should refine secondary measures and apply the intervention to a larger group to test efficacy.
Biography
Kelly De Santis is an Occupational Therapist by background with a Masters Degree in Health Science specialising in Stroke Management. Her career spans over 15 years within public health, holding various clinical and operational leadership positions within both hospital and community-based settings. Kelly is currently the Program Manager of the Aged and Community Care Program at Monash Health.