Introduction/Rationale: Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) accounts for 2-3% of trauma-related patients and results in significant impairments of upper extremity function.
Objective: This systematic review analyzes the effectiveness of orthotic devices for managing upper extremity (UE) function in adults with cervical SCI to maximize participation in activities of daily living.
Methods/Approach: SCOPUS, Medline, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and PubMed databases. Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed journal articles from 1990 to current consisting of UE rehabilitation through use of orthotic devices on individuals with SCI. Reviewers assessed for inclusion, quality, and validity following Cochrane Collaboration and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
Results/Practice Implications: Articles ranged from level 1B to level 4. Outcomes included EMG outputs, handgrip force, and multiple batteries of tests to quantify hand function. Of the studies included, 12 utilized traditional orthotic devices and seven used myoelectrical orthotic devices.
Conclusion/Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: Strong evidence supports the effectiveness of traditional orthotic devices and myoelectric orthotic devices for managing UE function in adults with cervical SCI to maximize participation in activities of daily living. Consistent findings and significant improvements are reported for UE function.