In 2016, Researchers led by Eun Jung Sung, Min Ho Chun, and colleagues conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a resting foot splint in preventing ankle contracture in patients with early-stage brain injuries. The study involved 33 patients who suffered from ankle dorsiflexor weakness, with a muscle strength of grade 2 or lower.

While all participants continued their customized rehabilitation therapy, those in the treatment group were instructed to wear a resting foot splint for over 12 hours per day across a three-week period. The primary objective of the study was to assess the changes in ankle dorsiflexion and functional motor skills following this intervention.

At the beginning of the trial, there were no significant differences between the control and splint groups in terms of age, gender, type of brain injury, or physical therapy progress. After three weeks, both groups showed improved ankle dorsiflexion and Fugl-Meyer scores, which assess motor recovery post-stroke. However, patients who wore the splint demonstrated slightly higher levels of spasticity compared to the control group.

Despite some improvements in motor function, the study concluded that wearing a foot splint did not significantly affect joint mobility when combined with regular rehabilitation. The differences between the groups in terms of ankle mobility, foot circumference, and spasticity were not statistically significant once the initial conditions were adjusted.

The researchers emphasized that larger studies with better control over factors like spasticity are needed to fully understand the potential benefits of resting foot splints in preventing ankle contracture.

Reference: Sung, E. J., Chun, M. H., Hong, J. Y., & Do, K. H. (2016). Effects of a resting foot splint in early brain injury patients. Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 40(1), 135-141.