Response to Letter by Marossezky et al

Abstract

Response: The letter by Marossezky et al takes issue with the design of our recent randomized trial of splinting early after stroke,1 suggesting that our findings failed to show that “routine splinting soon after stroke should be discontinued.” They believe that we did not define “contracture.” We take this opportunity to clarify that we use the term contracture to refer to a reduction in the slack length or compliance of the relaxed muscle.2 Clinically, contracture manifests as a loss of range of motion or an increased resistance to passive movement.3 Much of our article refers to muscle extensibility to make clear …