There was preliminary evidence from one trial that exercise to the non-injured arm during immobilisation might lead to short-term benefits on increasing grip strength and range of movement following distal radius fracture .
There is emerging evidence that current prescribed exercise regimens may not be effective in reducing impairments and improving activity following an upper limb fracture .
Starting exercise early combined with a shorter immobilisation period is more effective than starting exercise after a longer immobilisation period .
QUESTION What is the effect of exercise on increasing participation and activity levels and reducing impairment in the rehabilitation of people with upper limb fractures ?
Bruder AM , Shields N , Dodd KJ , Taylor NF ( 2017 ) Prescribed exercise programs may not be effective in reducing impairments and improving activity during upper limb fracture rehabilitation : a systematic review .
Early Functional Postoperative Therapy of Distal Radius Fracture with a Dynamic Orthosis: Results of a Prospective Randomized Cross-Over Comparative Study
Introduction This study was conducted according to GCP criteria as a prospect i ve r and omized cross-over study . The primary goal of the study was to determine clinical findings and patient satisfaction with postoperative treatment . 29 patients with a distal radius fracture that was surgically stabilized from volar and who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled over a 12-month period . Each patient r and omly received either a dorsal plaster splint or a vacuum-fit flexible but blocked orthosis applied postoperatively in the operating theatre to achieve postoperative immobilization . After one week all patients were crossed over to the complementary device maintaining the immobilization until end of week 2 . After week 2 both groups were allowed to exercise wrist mobility with a physiotherapist , in the orthosis group the device was deblocked , thus allowing limited wrist mobility . After week 4 the devices were removed in both groups . Follow-up exams were performed after postoperative weeks 1 , 2 , 4 and 12 . Results and Discussion Results were determined after week 1 and 2 using SF 36 and a personally compiled question naire ; after weeks 4 and 12 with a clinical check-up , calculation of ROM and the DASH Score . Comparison of the two groups showed a significant difference in ROM for volar flexion after 4 weeks , but no significant differences in DASH Score , duration of disability or x-ray findings . With regard to satisfaction with comfort and hygiene , patients were significantly more satisfied with the dynamic orthosis , and 23 of the 29 patients would prefer the flexible vacuum orthosis in future . Trial Registration German Clinical Trials Register ( DRKS )
There was preliminary evidence from one trial that exercise to the non-injured arm during immobilisation might lead to short-term benefits on increasing grip strength and range of movement following distal radius fracture .
There is emerging evidence that current prescribed exercise regimens may not be effective in reducing impairments and improving activity following an upper limb fracture .
Starting exercise early combined with a shorter immobilisation period is more effective than starting exercise after a longer immobilisation period .
QUESTION What is the effect of exercise on increasing participation and activity levels and reducing impairment in the rehabilitation of people with upper limb fractures ?
Bruder AM , Shields N , Dodd KJ , Taylor NF ( 2017 ) Prescribed exercise programs may not be effective in reducing impairments and improving activity during upper limb fracture rehabilitation : a systematic review .