The literature pertaining to the use of hand splints to treat cerebral spasticity is reviewed. Splinting patients with hand dysfunction as a result of spasticity remains a controversial treatment technique because of a paucity of research, methodological weakness in study designs, and contradictory results from investigations. The various splint designs commonly used, the corresponding neurophysiological rationale and research examining splinting and spasticity are discussed. Suggestions incorporating sound research methodology are offered to further explore this treatment technique.
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