The Short Term Effect of Hot Packs and Whirlpool for Increasing Total Active Motion at the Wrist

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
This study investigates the effect of hot packs versus whirlpool and exercise for patients with distal radius fracture (DRF). Patients with recently healed DRF are randomized into two groups, with one group receiving hot packs during therapy and the other immersing the arm in a whirlpool for 3 consecutive therapy visits. The effect of these modalities on range of motion and volume of the hand are evaluated, with measurements taking place before and immediately after heat during each visit.

Detailed Description
-----------------
This study investigates the short term effect of hot packs versus whirlpool and exercise for patients with distal radius fracture (DRF) during a therapy visit. Patients with recently healed DRF are randomized into two groups, with one group receiving hot packs during therapy and the other immersing the arm in a whirlpool for 3 consecutive therapy visits. Measurements of wrist and forearm range of motion, and volume of the hand are recorded before and immediately after heat for each visit, effectively creating six measurement time points. Change scores are recorded for range of motion and for volume, and analyzed using MANOVA to determine differences between groups.

Official Title
-----------------
The Short Term Effect of Hot Packs and Whirlpool for Increasing Total Active Motion at the Wrist

Conditions
-----------------
Distal Radius Fracture

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Procedure: Hot Pack
* Procedure: Whirlpool


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: Healed DRF, allowed to perform motion. Exclusion Criteria: Complex regional pain syndrome, inability to read/understand english, inability to attend follow up sessions due to driving distance from clinic, Raynaud's phenomenon

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
No

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Whirlpool<br>Immersion in Whirlpool during therapy | Procedure: Whirlpool<br>* Patients immerse their arm, from elbow to hand, in a whirlpool bath of 104 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes<br>|
| Active Comparator: Hot Pack<br>Hot Pack Application during therapy. | Procedure: Hot Pack<br>* Patients have a hot pack and 2 layers of towel wrapped around the wrist and forearm for 15 minutes<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Wrist Range of Motion (ROM) | Measurement of wrist flexion/extension, radial/ulnar deviation/ and pro/supination | Immediately before and within 5 minutes of completing heat application for 3 consecutive weekly therapy visits | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Hand Volume | Volumetric measurement of the hand using a standardized volunteer | Immediately before, within 5 minutes of completing heat application, then 30 minutes later for 3 consecutive weekly therapy visits |