Velcro Straps Research Articles

Moving Materiality: People, Tools, and this Thing Called Disability

This body is wheelchair-bound. Not in the sense of the ableist idiom, but literally: bound to a nine-pound titanium frame through Velcro and ratchet straps ripped from snowboards. This wheelchair is body-bound, bound to the flick of a hip against strapping, pulling through plastic and metal and rubber and gravity and wood, into a tilt onto one wheel. This metal, this flesh, this materiality is bound, too, by rhythm and soundscape: chairs crashing; prodding questions; polite onlookers, silent; the percussive thud of wheels on uneven terrain. It is bound to the gaze of audience and reader and performer and lover. It is bound with the discourses of (dis)ability, in(ter)dependence, materiality and boundedness. This essay too, is wheelchair-body-bound. It is bound to explorations of previous works on the practices, discourses, and materialities of the wheelchair. It is bound by the authors’ personal narratives of living, playing, moving and thinking with, in and through various wheelchairs and other technologies of (im)mobility. It is bound through critical artistic engagement: bound with thinking and, literally, dancing through the ways that flesh-chair-discourse-power bind in the form of a subject, or an articulation, or an assemblage. Finally, this essay is bound through an unabashed and unbounded passion for the exploration of the local, specific, strategic, accidental, and creative ways that one may remake or even re-imagine the bonding of their tools, communities, ideas, bodies, and mobilities.

An Intelligent Remote Monitoring System for Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients.

For the first six weeks following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), a patient will attend an outpatient clinic typically seen twice weekly. Here, an exercise regime is performed and improvement assessed using a hand held goniometer that measures the maximum angle of knee flexion, an important metric of progress. Additionally a series of daily exercises is performed at home, recorded in a diary. This protocol has problems. Patients must attend the hospital with assistance since they are not permitted to drive for six weeks following the procedure; appointments are sometimes missed; there are occasionally not enough physiotherapy appointment available; furthermore, it is difficult to be sure that patients are compliant with their exercises at home. The economic and social costs are therefore significant both to the patient and the health service. We describe here an automatic system that performs the monitoring of knee flexion within a domestic environment rather than in a hospital setting. It comprises a master and slave sensor unit that attach using Velcro straps to the thigh and shin above and below the operation wound. The patient performs the prescribed knee exercises whilst wearing the device, during which time it measures and records the angles of knee flexion. The device utilises the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) infrastructure to transmit data through the Internet to a secure hospital-based server using an on-board GSM modem. The clinician is then able to view and interpret the information from any computer with internet access and the software. The system does not require the patient to possess a mobile telephone, a computer, or have internet access; the necessary communications technology is completely integrated into the device.

Optical Fiber Specklegram Sensor for Measurement of Force Myography Signals

The development of an optical fiber specklegram sensor for the assessment of force myography signals is reported. The device consists of microbending transducers attached to the user forearm by means of Velcro straps. The muscular stimuli generated in response to hand movements cause the fibers to be mechanically pressed by the deformer structures, resulting in light modulation. The optical signals are acquired and processed according to specklegram analysis, by computing the normalized intensity inner product of speckles for two reference postures. Finally, the average values are correlated to the fingers configurations by means of artificial neural networks. The system was evaluated for a set of 11 static gestures, making it possible to detect subtle variations in the spatial distribution of forces impressed by the forearm flexor and extensor muscles. Moreover, the technique was tested for different subjects, yielding an average accuracy of 89.9% on the estimation of fingers configurations, even with the utilization of a reduced number of transducers.

Quantification of the pivot-shift test using a navigation system with non-invasive surface markers.

The purpose of this study was to validate the quantitation of the pivot-shift phenomenon by using a navigation system with non-invasive surface markers. Measurements obtained using this system were compared with those obtained using commercial pin-fixed markers. Seventy patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries were assessed under general anaesthesia. Knee kinematics during the pivot-shift test were recorded using an image-free navigation system with a commercial transmitter placed on the thigh and lower leg (surface markers) or those fixed to the femur and the tibia via metal pin fixators (pin-fixed markers). For quantitation of the pivot-shift phenomenon, posterior tibial reduction (PTR) was calculated using the two types of navigation system markers and were then compared. PTRs measured using the two types of markers were also compared with clinical grade of the pivot-shift test, as determined by an examiner. The pivot-shift phenomenon could be identified in all patients on the navigation screen. The PTR measured using surface markers moderately correlated with that measured using pin-fixed markers (ρ=0.524, p<0.001). There were also moderate correlations between clinical grades and the PTRs measured using either the surface markers (ρ=0.522, p<0.001) or the pin-fixed markers (ρ=0.645, p<0.001). The present study demonstrated that PTR, during the pivot-shift test, may be quantified in ACL-injured knees, using a navigation system with surface markers, and that the PTR measured with surface markers moderately correlated both with the PTR obtained using pin-fixed markers and with the clinical grade of the pivot-shift test. A customised method of fixing transmitters with reflective markers to patients' thighs and shins with Velcro straps is non-invasive and could assess and record the knee kinematics, especially the pivot-shift test, in ACL-injured and ACL-reconstructed knees before, during, and after surgery using a navigation system. Case series, Level IV.

‘SWEATCH’: A Wearable Platform for Harvesting and Analysing Sweat Sodium Content

AbstractA platform for harvesting and analysing the sodium content of sweat in real time is presented. One is a ‘watch’ format in which the sampling and fluidic system, electrodes, circuitry and battery are arranged vertically, while in the other ‘pod’ format, the electronics and battery components, and the fluidics electrodes are arranged horizontally. The platforms are designed to be securely attached to the skin using a velcro strap. Sweat enters into the device through a sampling orifice and passes over solid‐state sodium‐selective and reference electrodes and into a storage area containing a high capacity adsorbent material. The liquid movement is entirely driven by capillary action, and the flow rate through the device can be mediated through variation of the width of a fluidic channel linking the electrodes to the sample storage area. Changing the width dimension through 750, 500 and 250 µm produces flow rates of 38.20, 21.48 and 6.61 µL/min, respectively. Variation of the sweat uptake rate and the storage volume capacity enables the duration of usage to be varied according to the needs of the user. The devices can be easily disassembled to replace the electrodes and the high capacity adsorbant material. The storage sweat is available for subsequent measurement of the total volume of sweat harvested and the average concentration of sodium over the period of use. Signals generated by the electrodes are passed to a custom designed electronics board with high input impedance to accurately capture the voltage. The real‐time data is transmitted wirelessly using incorporated Bluetooth circuitry to a remote basestation (laptop, mobile phone, tablet) for data visualization and storage in standard formats. Results obtained during trials over a period of ca. 30 minutes controlled exercise are consistent with previously published data, showing a gradual relatively slow increase of the sodium concentration in the sweat during this period.

Custom made orthotic device for maintaining skull architecture during the postoperative period in infants undergoing craniosynostosis surgery

AimTo fabricate a cost effective, indigenous and simple orthotics helmet for post-operative cranial molding in patients with craniosynostosis surgery. MethodsWe present a case of 15 month old infant with secondary cranial vault deformity. Cranial vault remodeling surgery involving the posterior skull was planned and executed to increase the posterior gap, so that brain growth would be facilitated towards this empty space. Materials such as thermoplastic sponge, thermoplastic ionomer resin sheet, soft sponge and Velcro straps are used to fabricate a cranial orthotics helmet. ResultsWe have successfully used the above materials to fabricate the orthotics helmet for post-operative cranial molding. ConclusionThe technique described in this article is simple and cost effective. It can be custom made according to the demands of the surgical technique and the type of synostosis. It favors an individualistic prognosis, and proves worthwhile as every synostosis requires a unique treatment plan. It is an excellent adjuvant to craniosynostosis remodeling surgery.

Biologically Inspired Soft Robot for Thumb Rehabilitation1

More than 130,000 people have strokes each year in the United States [1]. Of these victims, 76% are left with disabilities that cost the nation over $54 billion in lost work and medical fees. One prominent disability is upper extremity hemiplegia, which occurs among approximately 50% of stroke sufferers [2]. Robotic technology has the potential to provide an automated platform for controlled rehabilitation and assisted, task-oriented therapy. Several systems have been designed to assist in patient articulation of an impaired hand using rigid robotic components. While these products have been successful in articulating the pure bending motions of the four fingers, the limited capabilities of rigid technologies fail to reproduce the complicated motion path [5] of the thumb during opposition grasp (see Figure 1). This is the most important articulation for normal hand function and specifically for picking up everyday objects. To date, robotic systems for thumb rehabilitation have not been widely investigated [3] apart from some recent work [4] that used a multi-joint rigid robot.

The Muscle Stretch Reflex throughout the Menstrual Cycle

The significant sex disparity in sports-related knee injuries may be due to underlying differences in motor control. Although the development of sex-specific movement patterns is likely multifactorial, this study specifically focuses on the potential modulatory role of sex hormones. This study aimed to investigate the muscle stretch reflex (MSR) across the menstrual cycle. We hypothesized that the MSR would fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and that the lowest response would correspond with peak concentrations of estrogen. Nineteen healthy women age 18-35 yr participated in this study: 8 eumenorrheic women and 11 women taking oral contraceptives. Serum estradiol and progesterone concentrations, anterior knee laxity (AKL), and the MSR response of the quadriceps muscles were measured three times during the menstrual cycle. The MSR response of the rectus femoris (RF) varied significantly across the menstrual cycle in both groups. Specifically, the RF MSR response was 2.4 times lower during the periovulatory phase when compared with the luteal phase (P = 0.007). The same trend was seen in the vastus medialis, but this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.070). The MSR response of the vastus lateralis did not change significantly across the menstrual cycle (P = 0.494). A mixed model comparison did not show an association between endogenous concentrations of estradiol and progesterone, exposure to hormonal contraceptives or AKL, and the MSR response for any muscle. Our results demonstrate that the RF MSR response varies throughout the menstrual cycle with the lowest response around the time of ovulation. Additional research is needed to clarify the exact relationship between sex hormones, AKL, and MSR response and to determine the specific origin of the change along the monosynaptic reflex arc.

Rearfoot strikers have smaller resultant tibial accelerations at foot contact than non‐rearfoot strikers

Purpose Overuse injuries are common in recreational runners. Recent reports have implicated the characteristics of the footstrike in the etiology of stress responses in the tibia. This has motivated efforts to modify the loading at footstrike by altering the orientation of the foot at first contact. The present study aimed to: 1) report typical magnitudes of resultant tibial acceleration (TA) in women distance runners; 2) contrast TA in rearfoot and non-rearfoot striking runners; and 3) examine TA during non-natural footstrike patterns in runners. Method We used a leg-mounted tri-axial acceleration monitoring unit to measure TA and angular velocities. Twenty injury-free women distance runners (age 27.8±3.7 years, height 168.1±6.2 cm, body mass 59.2±7.3 kg, weekly mileage >20) participated in the study. The sensor was positioned 5cm above the medial malleolus along the medial tibial border and tensioned to 22N with a Velcro strap. Multiple 60-second running trials at 3.13 m/s on a force-measuring treadmill (Kistler 9287 plate) were collected.

Reliability and Validity of Isometric Knee Extensor Strength Test With Hand-Held Dynamometer Depending on Its Fixation: A Pilot Study

ObjectiveTo determine the reliability and validity of hand-held dynamometer (HHD) depending on its fixation in measuring isometric knee extensor strength by comparing the results with an isokinetic dynamometer.MethodsTwenty-seven healthy female volunteers participated in this study. The subjects were tested in seated and supine position using three measurement methods: isometric knee extension by isokinetic dynamometer, non-fixed HHD, and fixed HHD. During the measurement, the knee joints of subjects were fixed at a 35° angle from the extended position. The fixed HHD measurement was conducted with the HHD fixed to distal tibia with a Velcro strap; non-fixed HHD was performed with a hand-held method without Velcro fixation. All the measurements were repeated three times and among them, the maximum values of peak torque were used for the analysis.ResultsThe data from the fixed HHD method showed higher validity than the non-fixed method compared with the results of the isokinetic dynamometer. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) between fixed HHD and isokinetic dynamometer method were statistically significant (supine-right: r=0.806, p<0.05; seating-right: r=0.473, p<0.05; supine-left: r=0.524, p<0.05), whereas Pearson correlation coefficients between non-fixed dynamometer and isokinetic dynamometer methods were not statistically significant, except for the result of the supine position of the left leg (r=0.384, p<0.05). Both fixed and non-fixed HHD methods showed excellent inter-rater reliability. However, the fixed HHD method showed a higher reliability than the non-fixed HHD method by considering the intraclass correlation coefficient (fixed HHD, 0.952-0.984; non-fixed HHD, 0.940-0.963).ConclusionFixation of HHD during measurement in the supine position increases the reliability and validity in measuring the quadriceps strength.

Care of Pediatric Tracheostomy in the Immediate Postoperative Period and Timing the First Tube Change

Objectives: 1) Analyze the impact of a new postoperative care protocol on complications, including skin breakdown. 2) Analyze the safety of performing the first tracheostomy tube change prior to postoperative day 5. Methods: Retrospective case series in an academic medical center. Patients: Pediatric patients undergoing tracheostomy from February 2010 to February 2013. Intervention: In 2012 a new protocol was instituted for pediatric tracheostomy care in the immediate postoperative period that included: 1) securing tracheostomy tubes with Velcro straps rather than twill ties, 2) placing a clean drain sponge around the tracheostomy tube daily, and 3) performing the first tracheostomy tube change on postoperative day 3 or 4. Outcome Measures: 1) Rate of complications, including skin breakdown, related to the tracheostomy tube and securing straps. 2) Presence of a mature stoma allowing for a safe first tracheostomy tube change. Results: 37 patients in the pre-protocol group and 16 in the post-protocol group were analyzed. Rate of skin breakdown related to the tracheostomy tube or securing straps was significantly higher in the pre-protocol group (32.40% vs. 0%, P = 0.01). There was a trend towards a higher overall complication rate change in the pre-protocol group, but this was not statistically different (18.90% vs. 0%, P = 0.062). In the post-protocol group, all tube changes were safely performed on postoperative day three or four. Conclusions: This new care protocol for pediatric tracheostomies resulted in decreased rates of skin breakdown. In addition, pediatric tracheostomy tubes can be safely changed as early as 3 days postoperatively.

Padded Self-Adhesive Strap Immobilization Following Newborn Bladder Exstrophy Closure: The Utah Straps

Several methods have been described for immobilization of the pelvis following bladder exstrophy closure, which can be challenging to manage. We hypothesized that immobilization can be significantly simplified using a modified mermaid wrap with padded Velcro® straps around the thigh and lower leg. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent bladder exstrophy closure in the newborn period at our institution from 1990 through 2010. Patients with cloacal exstrophy and those who underwent delayed closure due to other medical conditions were excluded. We collected data on closure technique, length of stay and complications of the primary closure as outcomes. A total of 20 boys and 7 girls underwent closure of classic bladder exstrophy. Followup ranged from 2 to 22 years. Seven boys underwent complete primary repair and 13 underwent staged repair. All patients had the legs stabilized with a modified wrap technique using 2 lengths of Velcro straps lined with self-adhering open cell foam pads for 3 weeks. Complications of exstrophy closure included bladder dehiscence in 1 patient (4%) and incisional hernia in 2(7%). Following complete primary repair urethrocutaneous fistula developed in 2 patients and urethral stricture in 2. Average length of stay for patients without significant prematurity was 15 days. Padded Velcro strap immobilization simplifies postoperative care, provides secure fixation, decreases length of stay, and enables parents to hold and bond with the child shortly after repair. We advocate this simplified technique, which can be applied with a rate of complications that is comparable to other procedures.

Conservation of the sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Chancery pleadings at the National Archives of Ireland

Abstract The Chancery pleadings are the largest single series of parchment records to have survived the fire in the Public Record office in 1922 during the Irish civil war. To date, 5265 fire-damaged administrative and legal parchment documents dating from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries have been part of a long-term conservation programme at the National Archives of Ireland. The conservation work involves removing the surface dirt, humidification of the skins, reshaping and repairing damage. The challenge of reshaping and flattening the damaged skins was met with a creative adaptation of the traditional parchment-maker's frame and the conservation clip and pin method. The humidified document is attached to cushioned spring clips that have Velcro straps, locking to the strip of Velcro around the edge of a wooden stretcher or board.

The Sound Design Project: An Interdisciplinary Collaboration of Music Therapy and Industrial Design

Music therapy is an experiential form of therapy where the client's experience of the music is essential to the therapeutic effort (Bruscia, 1998). Participation in music making is one important factor in that experience (Sears, 1 968). The musical instruments used in a music therapy session and the ability of some clients to easily make music can be an important issue in effective music therapy, especially when instruments are used (Birkenshaw-Fleming, 2006; Lathom-Radocy, 2002; Peters, 2000). While music therapy is certainly possible without the use of musical instruments, playing musical instruments is an important component of many music therapy interventions. Further, AMTA Standards of Clinical Practice (2009) state that the highest quality musical instruments must be used in sessions.Music therapy literature acknowledges that some clients have difficulty using traditional musical instruments (Alvin, 1981; Lathom-Radocy, 2002). The literature explores the need for adapting instruments to facilitate use by music therapy clients with special limitations (Bitcon, 2000; Lathom-Radocy, 2002). Specific suggestions for how this can be accomplished are made. The seminal book on the subject is Clinically adapted instruments for the multiply handicapped by Clark and Chadwick (1979). It offers illustrated examples of altered picks, beater designs, shakers and bells, aids for wind instruments, strap designs, and frames and stands. Materials employed include bicycle handle bar-type grips attached to dowels with beater heads, plastic pipe fittings to make Ljoints, inflator bellows compressed to generate air, door knob grips, and gloves or elastic for attaching instruments or picks to body parts. Similar to Clark and Chadwick (1979), Birkenshaw-Fleming (2006) suggests simple modifications that facilitate reaching (such as extending the pedals for the piano), holding the instruments (such as taping, drilling, or clamping to tables or suspending from music stands), and adapting mallets (such as wrapping with carpet tape or attaching Velcro straps). For mallets, Bitcon (2000) suggests wrapping cotton around the handle with tape or using Airecast (a professional casting material). Other sources focus on ergonomie considerations that target the specific needs of a special user group. Edelstein (1989) addresses the needs of upper-limb amputees, making suggestions for appropriate instruments or payability modifications. Boyette (2005) advocates the use of a splint to reinforce physical limitations. Clark and Chadwick (1979) and Denenholtz (1959) suggest adapting existing instruments and equipment with materials borrowed from other objects or using children's instruments that are already simplified to make playing easier. In the early literature, these adaptations tend to look improvised or cobbled together, such as Bitcon's (2000) suggested use of tape wrapped around a mallet. Visual and tactile aesthetics are important considerations for client's self-esteem and motivation to participate, which are not met with some of the suggested adaptations (Jordan, 2000). Currently, music therapists have access to well-made instruments designed for use in music therapy. Companies such as A Days Work (http:// www.adaysworkeducation.com) and Boehme Music (http:// www.boehmemusic.com/en/start.html) produce high quality musical instruments for use in music therapy, though some may be too expensive for practitioners.In recent years, the music therapy community addressed the development of specific instruments for use in music therapy settings. The 1 998 World Congress of Music Therapy sponsored a competition for the development of musical instruments for use in music therapy (http://www.musictherapy201 0arw.com). The Early Childhood News (2009) featured an instrument, the hydraulophone, for use in music therapy sessions (Cildiner, 2009). There are numerous books on general instrument construction (Buchanan, 1989; Robinson, 1973; Taylor, 1991; Waring, 2003). …

The use of Polysling™ strap to secure a safe head position in an anaesthetised patient on a beach chair table during shoulder surgery

The head ring on the beach chair table used in shoulder surgery has a single strap which is short and pads the forehead only. After repetitive use, the Velcro strap becomes worn and less secure causing concerns about the safety of the intubated patient. The loose straps of a Polysling™ (Molnlycke Health Care AB, SE-402 52 Goteberg, Sweden) can be used as an alternative. One strap is applied in the carniocaudal plane while the second is applied in the frontal-occipital plane (Fig. 1). This technique secures the head of the intubated patient in two perpendicular planes, and can be used on patients of different head size and morphology. Figure 1 Strap 1 secures the head in the carniocaudal plane while Strap 2 secures the head in the frontal-occipital plane.

The importance of effective catheter securement

This article examines the importance of securing/fixing indwelling urinary catheters. The Oxford English dictionary interlinks the two words-'secure' and 'fix'-as having the same meaning. To secure the catheter should not be confused with 'support', whereby the weight of the urine drainage bag is supported with the use of velcro straps or a sleeve. The author introduces the need for the concept of this practice to be at the forefront of nurses' minds in all settings, and this is demonstrated through the use of case studies. Current guidance in this area is reviewed, as well as the problems that can arise when catheters are not secured properly and the available products for health professionals to use.

20~30대 여성 등산객의 등산복 착용실태 조사연구

This study investigates the suitability of outdoor wear among female trekkers in their twenties or thirties and provides data for developing outdoor wear more suitable for young females. Recently climbing has gained popularity as a leisure activity to enjoy the beauty of nature that increases physical and mental stamina. A survey was conducted on 304 female consumers in their twenties and thirties who enjoyed climbing in order to investigate the suitability of outdoor wear among young female consumers. The questionnaire covered the subjects` demographic information, duration and goal of climbing, purchase and suitability of outdoor wear, and preferred design for outdoor wear. As for the yearly situations, when they utilized outdoor wear, the biggest number of respondents chose autumn as the season for climbing. Most of the respondents were non-professional trekkers who enjoyed climbing as a hobby or for health. As for the size, the upper garment was 90 and 85 in the order, and the lower garment was 70 and 67 in the order. The pants were the most common item they owned, followed by round T-shirts, windbreaker jackets, zipup T-shirts, and waterproof jackets. They mentioned moisture absorption and dry fabric breathability as the basic functions required of outdoor wear. The subjects displayed a preference for partial details under the design category. They most preferred the hood-type jacket with a detachable stand collar, the sleeve hem with a partial rubber band and velcro strap, a T-shirt with a stand color and zipper, the waist fit with proper room, pants with a partial rubber band waist, and straight silhouette pants.

Continuous vs. interval exercise training in hypertensive subjects

Continuous vs. interval exercise training in hypertensive subjects

Mechanized pivot shift test achieves greater accuracy than manual pivot shift test

The objective of this study was to design a navigated mechanized pivot shift test setup and evaluate its repeatability in the ACL-deficient knee. It was hypothesized that translations and rotations measured with the mechanized pivot shift would be more repeatable when compared to those obtained with a manual pivot shift. Twelve fresh frozen cadaveric hip-to-toe whole lower extremities were used for this study. A manual pivot shift test was performed in the intact knee and in the ACL-deficient knee and was repeated three times. A navigation system simultaneously recorded tibial translation and rotation. The mechanized pivot shift test consists of a modified continuous passive motion (CPM) machine and a custom-made foot holder to allow for the application of internal rotation moments at the knee. Valgus moments were achieved by a 45 degrees tilt of the CPM machine with respect to the supine position and a Velcro strap secured across the proximal tibia. The mechanized pivot shift was repeated three times. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare manual and mechanized pivot shift testing. An intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine variability within each knee at each testing condition. In the ACL-deficient knee, translation with manual pivot shift testing (11.7 +/- 2.6 mm) was significantly higher than with mechanized pivot shift testing (7.4 +/- 2.5 mm; p < 0.05). Rotation with the manual pivot shift testing (18.6 +/- 5.4 degrees) was also significantly higher than with mechanized pivot shift testing (11.0 +/- 2.3 degrees; p < 0.05). The intra-class ICC for translations was 0.76 for manual pivot shift and 0.92 for the mechanized pivot shift test. The intra-class ICC for rotations was 0.89 for manual pivot shift and 0.82 for the mechanized pivot shift test. This study introduced a modified CPM for mechanized pivot shift testing. Although recorded translations and rotations with the mechanized pivot shift test were lower than with manual testing, the clinical advantage of mechanized pivot shift testing is a more repeatable measurement of ATT when compared to manual pivot shift testing. This setup may increase consistency of clinical grading of the pivot shift test.

Functional Disability of the Wrist: Direct Correlation with Decreased Wrist Motion

Purpose There are multiple surgical procedures to alleviate wrist pain. Some degree of wrist range of motion loss is expected with surgery. Patients generally prefer motion sparring procedures, assuming increased motion will carry over to increased function. There are no studies that clearly demonstrate the correlation between motion and function. Studies that do exist show a wide variation in ranges needed for activities of daily living (ADL). This is due to the differences in tasks assessed and an assumption that the observed maximum range used for the activity is the minimum needed. Methods Forty-two subjects participated in three assessments over a 48-hour period. Assessments consisted of range of motion testing, three subjective surveys: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), Modern Activity Subjectivity Survey (MASS), and a timed functional test (Modern Activity Timed Test [MATT]). One assessment was a baseline with no splint, one was after wearing a partially restricted splint for 24 hours, and one was after wearing a highly restricted splint for 24 hours. Splint order was randomized, as was timing of baseline testing (before splinting, between splints, after both splints). Each splint was a customized static wrist splint and of comparable form, shape, and weight. Partially restricted splint was made of hypoallergenic close-celled foam and highly restricted splint of heat sensitive moldable plastic. They were applied with Velcro straps and circumferentially taped and signed by a researcher to verify compliance. Participants were instructed not to remove the splint for 24 hours. Results The differences in range of motion for wrist flexion/extension, deviation, and circumduction were statistically significant. Scores on the DASH, PRWE, and MASS were also found to be significantly different. The MATT matched the perceived difficulties from the subjective surveys. Discussion The use of low profile splints to limit wrist range of motion did demonstrate a correlation between restricted wrist motion and functional ability. Implications for hand therapy: As therapists, it is important that we be able to give our patients realistic expectations. Though limited, the information from this study provides additional information on the effects of limited wrist range of motion on functional ability. Of further interest is the development of new measurement tools. The MASS and the MATT cover common activities most of which are not addressed in the other measures. With further study and validation, they have the potential for providing important further functional information both for treatment planning and outcome evaluation.