Electromyographic results of inhibitory splinting

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the integrated EMG activity of spastic muscles in brain-damaged patients before and during splint application. Eight patients with spasticity that produced limb posturing were systematically monitored for EMG activity during a two-hour interval without a splint (Nonsplinted Condition), and during a subsequent two-hour period while wearing the splint (Splinted Condition). The goniometric measurement of the limb position also was taken during the two conditions. The limb postures monitored were ankle plantar flexion, wrist flexion, and elbow flexion. A paired t test showed a significant (p less than .001) increase in the position of the limb into extension in the Splinted Condition compared with the Nonsplinted Condition. No significant reduction in integrated EMG activity occurred during the Splinted Condition compared with the Nonsplinted Condition. Despite the significant change in joint position and elongation of spastic muscles produced by the splinting, the muscle groups accommodated to the position as evidenced by the lack of significant change in EMG activity. Therefore, splinting can effectively control postural defects caused by spastic limb posturing without significantly increasing muscle tone. Implications of the results and the use of EMG measurement to help identify patient candidates for splinting are discussed.