Does Wearing Tetra-Grip Improve Arm Function in Children Diagnosed With Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy?

Does Wearing Tetra-Grip Improve Upper Extremity Function in Children Diagnosed With Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy?

This study evaluates the effect of wearing a tetra-grip on the affected arm of children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy. Half of the participants will have tetra-grip applied to the arm, while the other half will not have it applied to the arm.

Tetra-grip is a tubular elastic support bandage that provides both compression and support. Previous studies have shown that by applying neoprene or athletic tape to a joint on individuals with poor proprioception or a history of joint injury, such modalities enhanced their proprioceptive recognition via stimulation of mechanoreceptors responding to skin stretch and compression during joint motion. As a result, patients have greater kinesthetic and joint position awareness of their limb.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 3 - 7 years old
• male or female
• non-dominant upper extremity brachial plexus injury

Exclusion Criteria:

• Botox injections to the affected extremity within the past 3 months
• Severe muscle contractures of affected extremity that restricts functional use of the arm and hand
• Concurrent cerebral palsy