SaeboGlove Hand Therapy Rehabilitation Glove

The SaeboGlove is an innovative hand device equipped with a proprietary tension system that extends the fingers and thumb following grasping. For individuals exhibiting wrist drop, the spiral forearm design supports and secures the wrist.

The SaeboFlex is a high-profile, outrigger-style splint made from durable rigid parts used to support and assist with increased muscle tone. The SaeboGlove is a low-profile splint made from soft fabric and semi-rigid parts used for individuals who do not exhibit hypertonicity (passive stiffness or tightness).

The SaeboGlove parts do not have the material strength needed to re-extend the fingers following grasping in a client who exhibits increased tone/rigidity. These clients would require the SaeboFlex.

There are 3 groups of clients who typically qualify for the SaeboGlove:

Mildly Affected Neurological Clients: Individuals who have some finger extension but not full. They may have used the SaeboFlex but are no longer challenged by it. They may exhibit mild hypertonicity, but not enough to prevent them from extending their fingers to some degree. They still suffer from limited hand function, including fine motor control, weak finger flexors, and/or weak extensors (muscles used to move the fingers). Numerous repetitions may be difficult due to weak finger extension strength and endurance. Thumb and index finger tone/rigidity may be more prevalent. They are typically in the outpatient setting.

Moderate/Severely Affected Neurological Clients: This group has very minimal or no active wrist/finger extension and very low tone (weak muscle tone) or flaccid (limp); they are not impeded by hypertonicity. They are typically in the inpatient setting. A majority will require electrical stimulation with the SaeboGlove.

Orthopedic Clients: This group typically has a diagnosis of radial nerve palsy/brachial plexus injury/fractures. They exhibit wrist drop and lack finger extension strength.

To qualify for the SaeboGlove, clients should exhibit some ability to squeeze. If they cannot squeeze (curl fingers), then electrical stimulation to the finger flexors to facilitate squeezing can be provided. In addition to demonstrating active finger flexion, clients should not exhibit spasticity (stiff or rigid muscles) in the hand. If clients demonstrate more than mild hypertonicity in the wrist and fingers, then the SaeboFlex would be required.

As you make progress with your upper limb recovery, it is common to see improvement with spasticity (stiff or rigid muscles) and better movement in the wrist and fingers. When this occurs, the SaeboGlove may be more appropriate for the next stage of treatment.

• The SaeboGlove is a light and comfortable hand therapy tool that allows an impaired arm and hand to regain function by performing functional task training at home
• Normally, clients who have suffered a neurological injury such as stroke are unable to open or extend their fingers, and their hand often is in a clenched or closed position.
• The SaeboGlove assists with hand opening and closing (grasping and releasing).
• The fingers and thumb are opened by a tensioner mechanism that looks like soft elastic bands. The tensioners are easy to put on and take off and offer multiple attachment sites for each finger to customize the amount of help needed to open and close the hand. Individual tensioners may also be removed as hand function improves.
• By opening and closing the hand with the SaeboGlove, the brain is retrained and the muscles needed to perform daily tasks are strengthened. It can also prevent tightening of the hand and shortening of the muscles, which can limit hand function even further.
• “If you don’t use it, you will lose it.”  Using the affected hand early and often following the injury can prevent further loss of movement and promote faster recovery.

• The SaeboGlove is designed for individuals who have experienced a neurological injury, such as a stroke, as well as orthopedic injuries, such as radial nerve palsy.
• Clients who demonstrate arm and hand weakness (wrist drop/unable to open hand) and are unable to use their affected hand to perform everyday tasks are great candidates for this device.
• The onset of the injury does not prevent someone from receiving Saebo treatment. Whether the client just had a stroke or orthopedic injury, or if they suffered an injury years ago, the SaeboGlove can be of great benefit.
• A licensed therapist will evaluate the client to make sure they meet the criteria before starting.
• Criteria include:

• Once the client receives the SaeboGlove, their therapist will create a treatment plan to follow in the clinic and at home. A sample Saebo session may consist of various hand and arm activities and exercises that challenge the affected side.
• With the help of the Saebo splint, the client will immediately (on day 1) be able to use their impaired hand to grasp and release objects for the very first time. Many clients/family members (and therapists) enjoy this special moment as it provides excitement and encouragement that more recovery is possible.
• The SaeboGlove has been used with thousands of clients yearly. Although results vary, many clients can regain lost movement over time.
• Common challenges like getting dressed, typing on a keyboard, or returning to work are now possible with Saebo.
• Like all medical treatments, the amount of recovery cannot be guaranteed. However, clients who are motivated and diligently follow the daily home program tend to have better outcomes.