Home exercise in the dart-throwing motion plane after distal radius fractures: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction: During daily functions, our wrist moves through an oblique plane, named the dart-throwing motion (DTM) plane. This plane is considered a more stable plane because the proximal carpal row remains relatively immobile. However, rehabilitation programs that incorporate exercising in the DTM plane have yet to be explored.

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rehabilitation outcomes after treatment in the DTM plane compared with outcomes after treatment in the sagittal plane after distal radius fracture.

Study design: This is a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Methods: Subjects after open reduction internal fixation were assigned into a research group (N = 12; ages 48.7 ± 7.3) and a control group (N = 12; ages 50.8 ± 15). The control group activated the wrist in the sagittal plane, whereas the research group activated the wrist in the DTM plane. Range of motion, pain levels, functional hand motor skills tests, and satisfaction from self-training exercise were measured before and after a 12-session intervention.

Results: The outcome measures were similar between the treatment groups. The research group reported significantly higher satisfaction rates than the control group on topics such as general satisfaction (research group: 3.4 ± 0.7, control group: 2. 5 ± 1.2, P = .030), motivation to exert oneself (research group: 2.8 ± 1.0, control group: 2.3 ± 1.2, P = .009), progressed function (research group: 3.4 ± 0.7, control group: 2.4 ± 1.1, P = .012), and self-training contribution to the daily function (research group: 3.4 ± 0.7, control group: 2.5 ± 1.2, P = .030).

Discussion and conclusion: Pilot results do not favor one treatment method over the other. However, exercising in the DTM plane may contribute to the satisfaction of the client and increase self-training motivation.

Keywords: Functional outcomes; Jebsen-Taylor Test; Modified Dart-Splint; Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation; Range of motion; Wrist rehabilitation.