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Review Paper | Health and Medical Sciences | Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026 | Pages: 1027 - 1032 | India
Effectiveness of Night Splints in Prevention and Management of Contractures: A Review of Literature
Abstract: Background: Contractures commonly developed in individuals with neurological, musculoskeletal, and prolonged immobilization conditions, resulting in restricted joint mobility, pain, deformity, and reduced functional independence. Night splints were frequently prescribed as a conservative orthotic intervention to maintain muscle length, preserve joint range of motion, and prevent soft tissue shortening. However, their clinical effectiveness remained uncertain because of variations in splint design, duration of use, patient compliance, and underlying pathology. Objective: This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of night splints in the prevention and management of contractures across different clinical populations. Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, PEDro, and the Cochrane Library, was conducted for studies published between 2000 and 2026. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, clinical trials, and observational studies investigating the role of night splints in preventing or reducing contractures were included. Studies involving neurological, orthopaedic, pediatric, and post-burn populations were reviewed. Data were extracted and qualitatively synthesized according to study design, patient population, intervention characteristics, and clinical outcomes. Results: The reviewed studies indicated that night splints contributed to maintaining joint range of motion and reducing progression of contractures, particularly when combined with physiotherapy and stretching programs. Beneficial outcomes were reported in individuals with cerebral palsy, stroke, burns, plantar fasciitis, and upper motor neuron lesions. However, the findings were inconsistent because of heterogeneity in splinting protocols, duration of intervention, follow-up periods, and outcome measures. Patient comfort, tolerance, and compliance significantly influenced treatment outcomes. Conclusion: Night splints appeared to be an effective adjunctive intervention for preventing and managing contractures in selected patient populations when integrated into comprehensive rehabilitation programs. Further high-quality studies with standardized protocols are required to establish definitive clinical guidelines regarding optimal splint design, wearing schedule, and long-term effectiveness.
Keywords: Night splints, contracture prevention, orthosis, rehabilitation, range of motion, spasticity
How to Cite?: Minakshi Behera, "Effectiveness of Night Splints in Prevention and Management of Contractures: A Review of Literature", Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1027-1032, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26616183307, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26616183307