Orthoses devices models for upper limbs: A review of the literature

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to make a literature review through the selection and analysis of clinical studies investigating the models of orthoses for upper limbs, more specifically the types used by occupational therapy professionals, and thus to produce an expanded view of this demand for orthotic models in the area of occupational therapy in hand rehabilitation and upper limbs in adult subjects. Method: This study was characterized as a narrative review of the literature accompanied by a descriptive analysis in the electronic databases MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online / PubMed) and LILACS (Scientific and Technical Literature of Latin America and the Caribbean / Virtual Library In Health), with a search restricted from January 2007 to January 2017. Results: Five complete articles were found of work done by / with occupational therapists, focusing on confection and use of orthoses in the rehabilitation of upper limbs. Conclusion: The studies involving the use of orthoses for upper limbs have different objectives and methods of use, as well as varied models and materials for the confection and fabrication of the device, and the interference factors of these decisions are the patient, the type of injury / clinic condition and user adaptation in relation to that assistive technology device.