SaeboGlove

The SaeboGlove is an innovative hand device equipped with a proprietary tension system that extends the clients fingers and thumb following grasping. The spiral forearm design supports and secures the wrist for individuals exhibiting wrist drop. To learn more about the SaeboGlove’s features, go to our product page.

The SaeboFlex is a high profile, out-rigger style splint made from durable rigid parts used to support and assist individuals with increased tone. The SaeboGlove is a low profile splint made from soft fabric and semi-rigid parts used for patients that do not exhibit hypertonicity.

The SaeboGlove parts do not have the material strength needed to re-extend the digits following grasping of a client that exhibits increased tone. These clients would need the SaeboFlex.

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

Mildly Affected Neurological Clients: These clients exhibit 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 hand function impairment including fine motor control, weak finger flexors, and/or weak extensors. Numerous repetitions may be difficult due to weak finger extension strength and endurance. Thumb and index finger tone may be more prevalent. They are typically in the outpatient setting.

Moderate/Severely Affected Neurological Clients: This group exhibits very minimal or no active wrist/finger extension and are very low tone or flaccid; 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.

In order to qualify for the SaeboGlove, clients should exhibit some ability to squeeze. If the clients 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 in the hand. If clients demonstrate more than mild hypertonicity in the wrist and fingers, then the SaeboFlex would be required.

As clients make progress with their upper limb recovery, it is common to see improvement with spasticity and better movement in the wrist and fingers. When this occurs, the SaeboGlove may be more appropriate for their next stage of treatment.

• The SaeboGlove is a light and comfortable splint that allows an impaired arm and hand to regain function.
• Normally, clients that 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 the client may need to open and close their hand. Individual tensioners may also be removed as the client makes progress.
• By opening and closing the hand with the SaeboGlove, clients can retrain the brain and strengthen the muscles needed to perform daily tasks. 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.”  With the client using his or her hand early and often following the injury, further loss of movement can be prevented and a faster recovery may occur.

• The SaeboGlove is designed for both individuals that have experienced a neurological injury, such as stroke, as well as orthopedic injuries, such as radial nerve palsy.
• Clients that demonstrate arm and hand weakness (wrist drop/unable to open hand) and are unable to use their 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 he or she suffered an injury years ago, the SaeboGlove can be of great benefit.
• A licensed therapist will evaluate the client to make sure he or she meets the criteria before starting.
• Criteria includes:
  • Minimal ability to squeeze the hand.
  • Minimal to no tightness or spasticity in the fingers or wrist.

• Once the client receives the SaeboGlove, his or her 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.
• Often times, with the help of the Saebo splint, the client will be able to immediately (on day 1) use his or her 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 are able to 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 that are motivated and compliant with the daily home program tend to have better outcomes.

• Clients that may not be appropriate for the SaeboGlove typically exhibit one or more of the below:
  • Severe joint deformities in the hand or elbow.
  • Significant arthritis.
  • Mild-moderate tightness or greater in the hand or elbow.
  • Moderate or severe swelling in the hand.
  • Open wounds.
  • Unable to follow basic commands.