BACKGROUND: The majority of these stretching devices have focused on spasticity of the leg and only a few devices have been developed for spasticity of the wrist and hand. In addition, most of these devices were large and complicated, with less easy applicability for personal use. AIM: To investigate the effect of a stretching device for spasticity of the wrist and hand in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients. DESIGN: Prospective single blind randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Outpatients. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (11 patients) or the control group (10 patients). The stretching device consisted of a circular shaped plastic plate and five holders to immobilize the fingers. In position 1, finger tips were facing forward, position 2 was 90 degree external rotation from position 1, and position 3 was 90 degree external rotation from position 2. Each position was maintained for 4 minutes and a rest period of 1 minute was given, therefore, one session was performed for 14 minutes. The stretching program was conducted 3 sessions/day, 6 days/week for 4 weeks. Spasticity (modified Ashworth scale (MAS)) and motor function (Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA), active range of motion (AROM)) of affected wrist and hand were assessed three times (first assessment; pre, second assessment; post 2 weeks, third assessment; post 4 weeks). RESULTS: In the intervention group, significant differences in the wrist and hand MAS and FMA were observed between three assessment times (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences in the wrist and hand AROM were observed between three assessment times (p > 0.05). In the control group, no differences in MAS, FMA, and AROM were observed between three assessment times (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Findings showed that this stretching device was effective in terms of relieving spasticity and functional recovery.

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