The Efficacy of Dynamic Hand Splint Treatment in Spastic Hemiparetic Patients

Inclusion Criteria: * an age of 20 to 85 years * the duration of stroke or brain injury more than 6 months * unilateral hemiparesis with intact sound side limbs function * the Brunnstrom's stage of both arm and hand ≥ III * able to follow instructions, wear a dynamic hand splint and perform therapeutic activities * wrist spasticity with a Modified Ashworth Scale score 1-3 * willing to provide the written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * patients with apraxia * cognitive impairment with a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score \< 25 * any fixed contracture of the affected wrist or fingers * a history of peripheral nerve injury, other severe neuromuscular disease or musculoskeletal deformity change in the affected side upper extremity * a history of alcohol or phenol injection to the affected side upper extremity * Botulinum toxin injection to the affected side upper extremity for the treatment of spasticity within 4 months before the study * surgical treatment for spasticity to the affected side upper extremity * active infection * obvious atrophy of muscles in the affected side upper extremity * bilateral upper extremities weakness * any dermatosis or open wounds in the affected upper extremity or an allergy to the splint.