The world-leading trial has been underway in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia since 2015, with Novita therapists and researchers joining the trial in South Australia.
Shortening of hand muscles is a very common side effect of muscle spasticity and can lead to difficulties with general hand movements, control and activities like writing and tying shoelaces.
The muscles and soft tissue in the wrist and hands will then be held in a good position as they sleep, with the goal of preventing the child from losing range and the muscles becoming stiff and contracted.
A range of Australian organisations and institutions are supporting the national trial, including the Perth Children’s Hospital, Monash Children’s Hospital, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Deakin University, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Curtin University, CPL Queensland, and Novita.
The trial has received funding from an Australian Catholic University Research Grant, and the NHMRC Funded Centre for Research Excellence in Cerebral Palsy, as well as Equity Trustees and the Percy and Ruby Haddy Foundation.
While the trial is still ongoing, preliminary results have informed Novita’s occupational therapy services, ensuring they are aligned with best practice.
Upper limb splints are a substantial, long-term commitment for families of young children with cerebral palsy and families and OTs are uncertain about their overall effectiveness. This recently completed collaborative research will provide new knowledge about whether they work, or not, so families can make an informed choice about intervention.
More information can be found here - Help trial a new technique for improving hand movement for kids living with cerebral palsy | Novita