Analysis of the effects of the use of wrist orthoses in the forearm musculature: a commented literature review

Abstract

Occupational therapists recommend wrist orthoses as a therapeutic resource in the rehabilitation program of patients with wrist disorders due to the demands of the forearm musculature. However, there are findings in the literature considering that the orthoses would increase the electromyography activity of flexor and extensor muscles, instead of reducing the load in the forearm musculature. It suggests that the aim for resting is not always achieved. Thus, the objective of this study was to perform a commented literature review through criterious analysis of articles that investigated the effects of the wrist orthoses use in the forearm musculature. A search was performed on different electronic databases, considering the period between 1995 and 2004. Based on the inclusion criteria, four articles were selected, and an analysis of the quality of the evidence was developed according to the methodology proposed by Law et al. The results of this review showed lack of consensus among the authors in relation to the electromyography activity of forearm muscles during the use of wrist orthoses.