Telerehabilitation in Distal Radius Fracture

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of telerehabilitation versus supervised therapy in the functional recovery of patients with distal radius fracture. Design: A randomized, controlled, parallel-treatment trial protocol was performed to compare functional recovery after a telerehabilitation program vs supervised rehabilitation in patients with distal radius fracture. Setting: Participants: A total of 91 patients with distal radius fractures grades AO23 A and B. Interventions: the supervised rehabilitation group received for two weeks a 10-session program that included external heat application, stretching, mobilization, strengthening, and occupational therapy. The telerehabilitation group was given instructions to apply hydrotherapy, perform mobility and wrist and hand strengthening exercises for four weeks, using the Moodle application on their cell phone. Main outcomes measures: Outcome measures were measured at the time of admission to rehabilitation and 1, 3, and 6 months; at each follow-up visit, functionality, active range of motion, fist grip strength, quality of life and pain were measured. Results: When the results obtained at the beginning and at six months were compared, both groups presented statistically significant changes in the clinical variables analyzed but with greater functionality in the telerehabilitation group.