The effectiveness of therapeutic craft-making activities in treating lower third forearm fracture: a randomized controlled trial

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Upper limb fracture is conventionally treated using splint, standard modalities, and soft tissue manipulation which offer little psychological benefits. Craft, as the first therapeutic tool used by occupational therapist (OT) has played a significant role since the early history of the profession. Craft can effectively intervene both physical and psychological conditions by providing motivation and foster feelings of satisfaction and hope; and regulate psychophysiological and emotional affects by lowering pain and anxiety. OT that works in the hand therapy field has reduced the use of craft as an intervention due to the lack of documentation and inadequate research. This study aims to determine the benefits of therapeutic craft in addressing the disability, physical impairment and the psychological impact after lower third forearm fracture. This study hypothesised that patients who received therapeutic craft-making session will have greater reduction in disability and post-traumatic stress as well as greater improvement in physical performance. This is a randomized control trial study where participant will be randomly allocated to the control group and intervention group. Patients that undergone surgical treatment for their wrist fracture will be recruited into this study after 2 weeks post-surgery. However, patient with rheumatoid arthritis, multiple limbs or bodily fractures, carpal bone involvement, associated peripheral nerve or/and tendon injury and patient with history of cognitive impairment or psychological condition will be excluded. Participants will undergo 2 therapy sessions per week for 6 weeks (12 sessions). Assessment will be done prior to the commencement of the first therapy session and after the 12th session. Assessment of the disability and post-traumatic stress will be done using questionnaire while physical performance will be assess using clinical assessment tools.