Telerehabilitation on the Physical and Functional Capacity of Traumatic Fractures of the Upper Limbs: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

Traumatic injuries to the upper limbs, especially to the hands and wrists, have the potential to trigger chronic conditions with pain, loss of productivity and decreased quality of life. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the effects of telerehabilitation on the physical and functional capacity of individuals with traumatic upper limbs fractures. Searches were conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, PEDRO, Cochrane, LILACS, and Science Direct databases. Three randomized clinical trials involving 830 patients with at least one intervention group and one comparison group were included in this systematic review. Risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro Scale and the certainty of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. Telerehabilitation seems to have favorable effects on functional capacity and pain perception and controversial effects on physical capacity (handgrip strength) in individuals with traumatic upper limb fractures.