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.