Relative motion orthoses in the management of various hand conditions

Orthotic fabrication is one of the techniques hand therapists use in practice. This thesis focuses on one specific orthosis, the relative motion orthosis, in four studies. Firstly, a scoping review examines the available evidence on the relative motion approach. Secondly, a two-patient case study highlights adaptation of relative motion orthoses in managing complex injuries. A survey of international therapist’s therapy approach preferences when managing extensor tendon injuries, including relative motion program parameters, forms the third study. Finally the fourth study, informed by the scoping review and survey results, is a two-group prospective comparison of two different relative motion extension approaches.