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 .
Occupational therapy and Colles' fractures
Abstract . In this r and omized trial , we enrolled 30 patients treated for a distal radius Colles ' type fracture . The fractures were reduced if necessary and fixed in a below-elbow plaster cast for 5 weeks . One group consisting of 14 patients received instructions for shoulder ; elbow and finger exercise and the other group consisting of 16 patients had occupational therapy . At 5 weeks , 3 and 9 months we measured the functional scores . There were no statistically significant differences between the groups at any time . It seems that for non-surgically treated patients with a distal radius fracture only instructions are necessary . Résumé . Etude r and omisée de 30 patients traités d'une fracture distale du radius de type Pouteaux-Colles . Les fractures furent réduites si nécessaire et fixées dans une manchette plâtrée durant 5 semaines . L'un des groupes était constitué de 14 patients qui avaient reçu des instructions d'exercices pour l'épaule , le coude et les doigts . L'autre groupe était constitué de 16 patients qui ont bénéficié d'une ergothérapie  . Une évaluation a été faite après 5 semaines , 3 et 9 mois . Il n'avait aucune différence significative entre les 2 groupes en aucune période . Il semble ainsi suffisant , dans les fractures distales du radius traitées orthopédiquement , d'instruire les patients en vue d'une autoréeducation
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 .