Traditionally, therapists give children with CP wrist-hand orthoses (splints) to wear at night. We think that these orthoses provide a stretch that reduces stiffness, but we are not sure.

We are completing two studies with the aim of finding out whether wearing an orthosis for 6 hours each night for 3 years:

• improves or prevents loss of movement at the wrist
• reduces muscle stiffness and pain
• improves the ability of children to use their hands for everyday activities
• improves ease of care in those with minimal or no hand movement.

The Minimising Impairment Trial (MiT) looked at the use of orthoses in youth aged 5 to 15 years. Analysis of this study is complete, we have published in an academic journal and we have worked with our project advisory committee of parents of children with CP to communicate our study findings to wider audiences.

The infant Wrist Hand Orthosis Trial (iWHOT) is looking at the use of orthoses in infants and younger children. In this study, we have completed recruitment and are now following up our participants over 3 years.

These trials have received funding from The Australian Catholic University, The NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence for Cerebral Palsy and The Percy and Ruby Haddy Foundation, administered by Equity Trustees.