Abstract: A shoulder exercise bar intended for use with hemiplegic patients is provided which maintains a patient's hands in proper position during shoulder exercises and may also be used for elbow and wrist exercises. The shoulder exercise bar includes a crossbar which is adjustable in length to fit a particular patient. A plurality of handles are provided at each end of the crossbar to be grasped by the patient demonstrating weakness. One of the handles is angularly offset at each end with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the crossbar and provides for versatile strengthening and stretching exercises for the patient. The orientation of the handles also encourages self resisted or isotonic strengthening exercises.

Abstract: A splint assembly is provided for use by health professionals in the positioning of a human hand. The arrangement includes a splint which is made of thermoplastic material in the shape of a hand, with open spaces between the fingers and thumb so that a glove may be placed simultaneously over the hand and splint for positioning of the hand. The cross-sectional shapes of the finger and wrist support areas resist movement of the fingers and wrist with the resistance increased or decreased by selection of thermoplastics with a higher or lower modulus of elasticity. A splint cover, made of a moisture absorbent material, acts as a cushion and prevents direct contact of the skin of the hand with the plastic material of the splint. An outer glove covering, made of a combination of stretch and/or non-stretch material, serves to maintain the position of the hand in the splint.

Abstract: This invention relates to human hand splinting and/or orthopedic assembly devises used to increase and effectuate functional use of a paralyzed human hand. It may also be used to overcome stiffness of hand joints and soft tissue caused by trauma or disease. The invention consists of a covering for the hand, typically a glove, that has a plurality of flexion cords and extension cords which are affixed to the fingers of the covering for the hand through a series of openings in the covering for the hand. Attached to one end of the flexion cords and the extension cords are various straps which are holding means for the fingers and which are capable of being attached to a forearm cuff. When the various flexion cords and extension cords are energized by the drawing of the straps, the fingers in the covering for the hand may be positioned in a desired configuration for the assistance of the human hand.