Casting Upper Limb

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29/09/2012; 8:55

File: nre811.tex; BOKCTP/llx p. 1

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NeuroRehabilitation 00 (2012) 1–12
DOI 10.3233/NRE-2012-00811
IOS Press

Casting for upper limb hypertonia: A retrospective study to determine the factors associated with intervention decisions
Kathy Kuipersa,∗ , Laura Burgerb and Jodie Copleyc a Department of Occupational Therapy, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
Strive Occupational Rehabilitation, Queensland, Australia c The University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Occupational Therapy,
Queensland, Australia b Abstract. Aim: To determine if a Clinical Reasoning Protocol assisted occupational therapists to consistently choose casting as an intervention in the context of moderate/severe upper limb hypertonia and possible contracture.
Methods: Sixty-four intervention decisions (including strength/movement training, splinting and/or casting) were drawn retrospectively from initial t reports at a community clinic. Associations between identified upper limb characteristics, stated clinical aims and intervention decisions were analysed using logistic regression.
Results: Casting was statistically significantly likely to be chosen in the presence of moderate (CI95 1.88–39.80, p = 0.01) or severe hypertonicity (CI95 1.34–135.98, p = 0.03), and if the stated clinical aim was to reduce hypertonicity (CI95 2.01−18.10, p = 0.001) or contracture (CI95 1.31–12.73, p = 0.02). When reports included both these clinical aims, there was a highly significant association with the decision to cast (CI95 5.67–9.13, p = 0.001). Where casting was indicated as appropriate, but not chosen as an intervention, mitigating factors included older age (70–95 years), limited personal support and a clinical aim of comfort/hygiene maintenance.
Conclusion: Occupational therapists using the Protocol consistently chose casting as an upper limb intervention for adults
who

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