The use of weight bracelet in individuals with encephalopathy

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the function of upper limbs, in the reach movement to a target, with and without a weight bracelet, in individuals with encephalopathy who had involuntary movements of upper limbs. 7 individuals with diagnosis of encephalopathy who had involuntary movements, 2 females, 5 males, aged 21 to 38 years (mean = 26) participated in this study. Significant statistical differences were found (p = 0.03) to the obtained results of the distance gone through upper limb and to straightness index values (p = 0.03), comparing the obtained results with and without weight bracelet. The use of weight bracelet on the wrist influenced the values of the traveled distance and the straightness index during the reach movement to a target, which were lesser when compared to the movement without weight bracelet. Results demonstrated a better motor performance of upper limbs from participants of this study with weight bracelet.