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Neoprene Splint and Handwriting

Recent research in Pediatric and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics examined the use of a neoprene splint on the hand/wrist and its effects on the handwriting of 4 ninth grade students with joint hypermobility and pain. The statistical results indicated that the neoprene splint resulted in a significant decrease in handwriting speed in 3 of the 4 students. No significant changes in pain or endurance was observed while handwriting with the splint on the hand/wrist. When the splint was removed, 3 of the subjects indicated a significant decrease in pain. The authors concluded that the use of a neoprene splint was not indicated for ninth grade students with joint hypermobility.

Reference: Lauren Frohlich, Alison Wesley, Margaret Wallen, Anita Bundy. Effects of Neoprene Wrist/Hand Splints on Handwriting for Students with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome: A Single System Design Study. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics. Posted online on 12 Oct 2011. doi:10.3109/01942638.2011.622035