Effectiveness of Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises in Distal Radius Fracture

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of closed kinetic chain exercises during the physiotherapy and rehabilitation process following the healing of a distal radius fracture.

A total of 40 participants aged 40-60 years who were diagnosed with distal radius fractures were randomly assigned to two groups: the conventional physiotherapy (CP) group (n=20) and the closed kinetic chain exercise (CKCE) group (n=20). Participants in the CP group underwent a 6-week standard rehabilitation program consisting of conventional physiotherapy sessions conducted 5 days a week. This program included Ultrasound (US), Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), wrist joint range of motion exercises, stretching exercises, Digiflex, Powerweb, and dumbbell-based strengthening exercises. In the CKCE group, the same CP program was implemented with the addition of CKCE sessions conducted five days a week for 6 weeks.

Outcome measures included joint range of motion assessed using the Goniometer Pro mobile application, functionality evaluated with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and joint position sense assessed through the Active Repositioning Test.

CKCE may positively affect joint range of motion, arm functionality, pain, and joint position sense by improving the proprioceptive mechanism in individuals with distal radius fractures.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of closed kinetic chain exercises during the physiotherapy and rehabilitation process following the healing of a distal radius fracture.

Voluntary consent forms were signed by individuals willing to participate in the study, and their demographic information was recorded. A total of 40 participants were included in the study and divided into two groups:

Group 1: Conventional Physiotherapy Group (n=20) Group 2: Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise Group (n=20) Participants in the first group underwent conventional physiotherapy interventions for 6 weeks, 5 days per week. These interventions included Ultrasound (US), Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), wrist joint range of motion exercises, stretching exercises, and strengthening exercises using Digiflex, Powerweb, and dumbbells. The number of repetitions and sets of the exercises was adjusted based on the patients' conditions, following a progressive approach.

US was applied to the affected wrist for a total of 30 sessions, 5 days a week, once daily, for 6 minutes at an intensity of 1.5 W/cm², using an underwater application method. TENS was administered at a frequency of 100 Hertz for 20 minutes. All participants received manual stretching exercises for wrist flexion, extension, ulnar and radial deviation, supination, and pronation. These stretches were performed by a physiotherapist, with 5 repetitions in each direction, holding the end position for 20 seconds.

Participants in the second group received a treatment protocol including closed kinetic chain exercises (CKCE) in addition to conventional physiotherapy interventions. As part of the CKCE program, the following exercises were performed with 15 repetitions each:

While the elbow was in extension and the shoulder was at 90° flexion, a ball was stabilized between the hand and the wall. The ball was rolled up and down as well as side-to-side.

While the elbow was in extension and the shoulder was at 90° abduction, a ball was stabilized between the hand and the wall. The ball was rolled up and down as well as side-to-side.

While the elbow was in extension and the shoulder was at 90° flexion, participants were asked to push against the wall by transferring body weight from the shoulder to the elbow and wrist. They held this position for 6 seconds.

Randomization:

The study included 40 participants aged between 40-60 years who were diagnosed with distal radius fractures. A computer-based randomization program was used to assign participants to groups. The randomization codes were sealed in envelopes, which were opened by the physiotherapist administering the exercises on the day of the intervention.

Outcome Measures:

Outcome measures included joint range of motion assessed using the Goniometer Pro mobile application, functionality evaluated with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and joint position sense assessed through the Active Repositioning Test.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged between 40-60 years
* Diagnosed with a distal radius fracture
* Applied to Medipol hospitals after the injury and volunteered to participate in the study
* Patients with good cooperation levels will be included in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having bilateral distal radius fractures
* Having ulna styloid fractures
* Having other orthopedic, neurological, or rheumatological problems involving the ipsilateral upper extremity
* A history of surgery involving the ipsilateral upper extremity
* Associated injuries such as arterial, nerve, or tendon injuries
* Patients without adequate cooperation will be excluded from the study

Withdrawal Criteria:

* Missing at least one follow-up
* Development of orthopedic or systemic problems unrelated to the trauma