None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The aim of this study is to find out if people following a distal radal fracture recover better if they receive a progressive exercise program. Our hypothesis is that a progressive exercise program imiplemented during the rehabilitation phase following a distal radius fracture in addition to advice will achieve better recovery of upper limb activity and functional activities than advice alone.
Interventions
The experimental group will receive professional advice plus a progessive exercise program in three standard consultations (approximately 20-30 minutes) held in Weeks 7, 9 and 11 (from time of injury). In consultation 1 (Week 7), patients will receive advice regarding fracture healing, pain, swelling and performance of daily light tasks. In addition, patients will commence a light exercise program to include active range of movement exercises of the hand/wrist/elbow and shoulder as well as isome
The experimental group will receive professional advice plus a progessive exercise program in three standard consultations (approximately 20-30 minutes) held in Weeks 7, 9 and 11 (from time of injury). In consultation 1 (Week 7), patients will receive advice regarding fracture healing, pain, swelling and performance of daily light tasks. In addition, patients will commence a light exercise program to include active range of movement exercises of the hand/wrist/elbow and shoulder as well as isometric strengthening exercises of the wrist/forearm. In consultation 2 (Week 9), patients will receive advice again about fracture healing, pain, swelling and performance of daily tasks. The exercise program will be progressed to include strengthening exercises of the hand and wrist (including grip strength). In consultation 3 (Week 11), patients will receive advice about returning to more difficult functional tasks and the exercise program will be progressed to include heavier loads. Patients will also receive advice to progress and continue the exercises for one more week (this will equate to 12 weeks from time of injury). Patients will be advised to complete the exercises three times per day with sets varying from one to three depending on the exercise and progression.
Sponsors
La Trobe University
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
21 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
- All adults referred to the outpatient physiotherapy departments at the recruited health agencies following a distal radius fracture and were managed in a cast - Able to follow simple written and verbal English instructions so that the participant can complete the prescribed exercise program and provide consent
Exclusion criteria
- Any pre-existing inflammatory joint condition, or signs and symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome, or previous wrist fracture on the affected side - Bilateral wrist fractures or any other injury (such as other fracture or recent surgery) to the affected limb - Any distal radius fracture that has been managed with internal or external fixation
Outcome results
None listed