| Objective: To investigate the effects of static progressive splint on physical function, activity of daily living (ADL), and quality of life (QOL) for patients with post-traumatic elbow stiffness. Methods: Seventy-three in patients with post-traumatic elbow stiffness were randomly allocated to a splint group (36 cases) and a control group (37 cases). The control group received conventional rehabilitation treatment only and the subjects of the splint group were given the static progressive splint after conventional rehabilitation treatment. The following outcome measurements were assessed before and after treatment using elbow active range of motion (AROM), pain intensity, grip and pinch power, ADL (MBI, FIM, household ability), Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH), quality of life (QOL-BRIEF). Results: After 8 weeks of interventions, both two groups showed significant improvements in AROM, pain intensity, grip and pinch power, FIM, household ability, DASH and QOL (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in MBI. The AROM, pain intensity, DASH-ADL and QOL (physiological and interpersonal relationships section) were significantly improved in the splint group as compared with the control group (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in MBI, FIM, household ability, grip and pinch power between the two groups. Conclusion: Static progressive splint and/or conventional rehabilitation can both improve elbow function, ADL ability and QOL. However, static progressive splint had better outcomes in increasing elbow AROM, relieving pain and improving DASH-ADL and QOL (physiological and interpersonal relationships section). |
