The effects of carpometacarpal thumb orthosis on pinch strength, self-reported activitries of daily living and pain in osteoarthritis

This project investigates the effects of splint intervention on pinch strength, activities of daily living (ADL) and pain in persons with osteoarthritis at the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. Eight female subjects were evaluated for dominant hand involvement. Using a small-n design, baseline levels across variables were obtained using objective measures and self-report questionnaires. A thumb orthosis was fabricated to support the CMG joint while allowing hand function. Pinch strength, ADL performance and pain were reassessed at one, two and six week post-intervention intervals to determine the effects of treatment. Subject graphs, summary tables, repeated measures MOVA and correlations were computed to analyze data. Results revealed significant effects upon lateral pinch strength, ADL performance and pain at six weeks post-intervention. No correlation was found among variables of percentage time splints were worn and its beneficial effects which suggests changes in splint wearing protocols prescribed by therapists.