Hand TherapyPub Date : 2025-07-15DOI: 10.1177/17589983251358493
Shelby Rabb, Laura Ireland, Lexi Davidson, Emily S Ho
{"title":"Upper limb participation after brachial plexus birth injury from childhood to young adulthood: A qualitative study.","authors":"Shelby Rabb, Laura Ireland, Lexi Davidson, Emily S Ho","doi":"10.1177/17589983251358493","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17589983251358493","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>There is emerging evidence from patient-reported questionnaires that participation restrictions related to employment, parenting, and leisure pursuits emerge in adulthood after a brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI). However, little is known about the lived experiences of young adults with BPBI and their participation during this transitional phase. This Interpretive Description qualitative study was informed by the self-determination theory to guide our perspective of how transformations in the areas of autonomy, competency, and relatedness may influence participation throughout the lifespan. Semi-structured interviews with nine young adults between 19 and 34 years of age with BPBI's were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis to explore their lifelong participation. There were three main themes that arose during the analysis of these interviews: Navigating everyday life, Navigating uncertainties, and Navigating BPBI identity. Within <i>navigating everyday life</i> participants shared narratives of how opportunities in childhood helped them figure out how to adapt to their BPBI which led to habitual adaptations in adulthood; self-awareness and self-advocacy skills evolved over time. Common experiences of <i>navigating uncertainties</i> during major life transitions (e.g., parenting, post-secondary studies) was expressed as a conscious process of relearning and reintegrating the impacts of BPBI. During transition to adulthood, the lived experiences of the visibility and invisibility of disability emerged as a central aspect of <i>BPBI identity</i>. These narratives from the lifelong participation of adults with BPBI provide important insights to inform transitional care programming of children with BPBI within pediatric hand and upper limb clinical settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":43971,"journal":{"name":"Hand Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"17589983251358493"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12264252/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144660699","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hand TherapyPub Date : 2025-07-06DOI: 10.1177/17589983251356917
Rachael Bamford, Rob Goodwin
{"title":"Patient perception of a community - based thumb osteoarthritis group: A qualitative service evaluation.","authors":"Rachael Bamford, Rob Goodwin","doi":"10.1177/17589983251356917","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17589983251356917","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Base of thumb osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative condition, causing pain, stiffness, weakness and functional limitations. Most patients initially present to their GP. It is important that patients have timely access to therapy interventions. A base of thumb OA group was established within a U.K. inner-city location, as part of a community musculoskeletal therapy service. The group aligned with international clinical guidelines, providing a treatment package including exercise, educational advice and behaviour change strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective qualitative service evaluation was undertaken, with an aim of understanding patients' experiences and views about the base of thumb OA group. Focus groups were undertaken with six patient participants and were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants were positive about the impact of the group on self-management of their condition. Participants recognised the complex nature of base of thumb OA and felt that the group provided holistic support. Participants expressed a need for long term support. From a practical perspective participants described some lack of clarity regarding the clinical pathway and referral routes and a lack of support during the waiting period. Participants expressed a preference for face-to-face care delivery.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Participants appeared supportive of the base of thumb OA group. It appears that such groups can be delivered in a community setting. Some practical service design and delivery lessons were learned. Further research would expand this relatively small scale, pragmatic service evaluation.</p>","PeriodicalId":43971,"journal":{"name":"Hand Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"17589983251356917"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12234499/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144601778","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hand TherapyPub Date : 2025-07-05DOI: 10.1177/17589983251352104
Gabriel Morais Xavier Dos Santos, Leonardo Dutra de Salvo Mauad, Heloísa Corrêa Bueno Nardim, Mariana Ferreira Silva, Flávia Pessoni Faleiros Macedo, Gabriela Rezende, Raquel Metzker Mendes Sugano, Elaine Caldeira de Oliveira Guirro, Marisa de Cássia Registro Fonseca
{"title":"Test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of three different handgrip dynamometers (Jamar, Jamar Plus+ and Biodex) in healthy young adults.","authors":"Gabriel Morais Xavier Dos Santos, Leonardo Dutra de Salvo Mauad, Heloísa Corrêa Bueno Nardim, Mariana Ferreira Silva, Flávia Pessoni Faleiros Macedo, Gabriela Rezende, Raquel Metzker Mendes Sugano, Elaine Caldeira de Oliveira Guirro, Marisa de Cássia Registro Fonseca","doi":"10.1177/17589983251352104","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17589983251352104","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Handgrip strength (HGS) is a key indicator of upper limb function and overall health. While the Jamar dynamometer is considered the gold standard for HGS assessment, alternatives like the Jamar Plus+ and Biodex have emerged, though their reliability and agreement remain underexplored.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the test-retest reliability and agreement of the Jamar, Jamar Plus+, and Biodex dynamometers in healthy young adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This exploratory cross-sectional study included 35 participants (22 females, 13 males; mean age 23.4 years). HGS was assessed using the three devices, following standardised protocols, with retest after 7 days. Reliability was analysed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC). Agreement was examined through Bland-Altman plots and Limits of Agreement (LoA %).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Jamar and Jamar Plus+ showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.96-0.98) and strong agreement, with narrow LoA percentages and low measurement error, especially on the non-dominant hand. In contrast, comparisons involving the Biodex revealed wider LoA (up to ±73%) and higher SEM and MDC values, indicating lower agreement with handheld devices. These discrepancies are likely due to differences in measurement principles, hand positioning, and unit conversion. Male participants showed significantly higher grip strength across all instruments.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The Jamar and Jamar Plus+ can be used interchangeably. The Biodex may be considered when appropriate adjustments are made, though its agreement with handheld dynamometers is limited. These findings highlight the need for standardised protocols and further research to ensure consistent and reliable HGS assessment across devices.</p>","PeriodicalId":43971,"journal":{"name":"Hand Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"17589983251352104"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12228645/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144585205","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hand TherapyPub Date : 2025-07-04DOI: 10.1177/17589983251356913
Terra M Bredy, Celeste Glasgow, Jacki Liddle, Freyr Patterson
{"title":"Hand therapists' perspectives on the patient, environmental and contextual factors that influence recovery following distal radius fracture.","authors":"Terra M Bredy, Celeste Glasgow, Jacki Liddle, Freyr Patterson","doi":"10.1177/17589983251356913","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17589983251356913","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Distal radius fracture (DRF), a common upper extremity injury treated in outpatient hand therapy clinics, can lead to chronic pain and limitations in daily activities. Treatment often emphasises biomechanical aspects, like range of motion and oedema, while overlooking broader factors influencing recovery. This study explores therapists' perspectives on the recovery process in public healthcare and the contextual influences on therapeutic practices for patients with DRF.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Qualitative (Interpretive Description).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Hand therapists in Australia's public healthcare system were recruited through professional associations. Focus groups and follow-up interviews were conducted to explore the therapist's perspectives on patient recovery and the contextual factors influencing practice and outcomes. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied to analyse the data and develop themes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>37 participants contributed to eight focus groups and seven follow-up interviews. Two categories aligned with the research aims: (1) Perspectives on patient recovery and rehabilitation following DRF and (2) Perspectives on contextual and environmental influences shaping therapeutic approaches. Four main themes were generated: (1) recovery looks and feels different for everybody, (2) fundamental components of effective therapeutic approaches, (3) therapist experience makes a difference, and (4) it's the system: some things are out of our control.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Although therapists tended to prioritise a biomechanical approach for DRF, most acknowledged the importance of an individualised, biopsychosocial approach aligned with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework. Experienced therapists shifted towards patient-centred care and recognised the significance of function in rehabilitation. However, contextual and systematic barriers within the Australian public healthcare system influence the therapeutic approach and recovery. Ongoing research is needed to refine practice and align therapist-patient expectations for DRF management.</p>","PeriodicalId":43971,"journal":{"name":"Hand Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"17589983251356913"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12227443/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144576603","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hand TherapyPub Date : 2025-06-20DOI: 10.1177/17589983251345393
Rochelle Furtado, Joy C MacDermid, Dianne Bryant, Kenneth J Faber
{"title":"Preoperative rehabilitation and education program for surgery (PREPS): A pilot randomized control trial protocol.","authors":"Rochelle Furtado, Joy C MacDermid, Dianne Bryant, Kenneth J Faber","doi":"10.1177/17589983251345393","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17589983251345393","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>We designed a program for prehabilitation and education before a shoulder replacement (PREPS) that is based on reviews of relevant literature, and is co-designed with preferences of patients recruited from the wait list for a shoulder replacement, and a transdisciplinary healthcare sample. The content and format was integrated in a comprehensive, patient-centered program combining exercise, preparedness for surgery, motivational interviewing, and pain management principles. This patient-centered program has the potential to improve postoperative pain, function, and patient-oriented outcomes, decrease postoperative opioid use and short- and long-term healthcare costs. This pilot randomized controlled trial will evaluate feasibility and satisfaction with our program for individuals undergoing a shoulder replacement.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Participants (<i>n</i> = 90) undergoing a shoulder replacement will be randomized into (1) a 6-week self-directed online pre-rehab and education program, (2) a 6-week online pre-rehab and education program with a therapist to monitor progression of PREPS or (3) a standard of care group. The PREPS program intervention groups will be delivered virtually with an online program of modules and a written handbook. Feasibility outcomes include recruitment rate, adherence, content acceptability, study acceptability, outcome measure completion rates and treatment fidelity. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and 1 day before surgery, then post-operatively at 6 weeks and 3,6 and 12 months.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The proposed project will include the feasibility testing of a prehabilitation and education program with potential to improve surgical outcomes for shoulder replacement patients. Results of this study will provide the foundation for a future fully powered multicenter trial.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>NCT05965986.</p>","PeriodicalId":43971,"journal":{"name":"Hand Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"17589983251345393"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12181192/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144477160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hand Size Reduces the Reliability of K-Force® Grip Dynamometer.","authors":"Feray Karademir, Özgün Uysal, Şule Tüzen Tek, Esra Merve Çakıryılmaz, Tüzün Fırat","doi":"10.1177/17589983251347238","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17589983251347238","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Objective evaluation of grip strength is crucial for determining functional status of patients and demonstrating treatment effectiveness. A novel dynamometer, K-Force® Grip, has been developed that can work in conjunction with smart devices. However, the device has a smaller circumference compared to the Jamar®Plus+ and lacks an adjustable grip width, unlike the Jamar®Plus+. The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the K-Force® Grip across different hand sizes in healthy subjects.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We recruited 1 23 healthy subjects (n=246 hands) and categorized them based on hand length and span. Grip strength was measured using both the Jamar®Plus + hydraulic hand dynamometer and the K-Force® Grip dynamometer.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Inter-device consistency was excellent for the overall population (ICC=0.937) and for individuals with large hand spans and long hand lengths. It was good for other anthropometric groups. However, ICC estimates for absolute inter-device agreement indicated high variability and were unstable (as indicated by the confidence intervals including zero). BlandAltman plots suggest K-Force® values are systematically lower than those from the Jamar®Plus+.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The devices should not be used interchangeably in research settings. For clinical follow-up, the Jamar®Plus + dynamometer is recommended, especially in adolescent populations where hand growth continues over time.</p>","PeriodicalId":43971,"journal":{"name":"Hand Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"17589983251347238"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12158969/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144303159","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hand TherapyPub Date : 2025-06-08DOI: 10.1177/17589983251345385
Tahra Babiker-Moore, Carol J Clark, Emma Kavanagh, Timothy B Crook
{"title":"Which elective hand surgery would benefit most from preoperative therapy interventions to enhance surgical outcomes? A survey of hand therapists.","authors":"Tahra Babiker-Moore, Carol J Clark, Emma Kavanagh, Timothy B Crook","doi":"10.1177/17589983251345385","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17589983251345385","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>An ageing population and increasing chronic health disorders explain the predicted rise in hand surgeries. Preoperative care has the potential to optimise patients' psychological and physical status, making it a promising area for enhancing surgical outcomes. Despite its established use in other surgical specialties, preoperative therapy in hand surgery remains underexplored.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study uses an anonymous survey to gather therapists' opinions on the hand procedure whose outcomes benefit most from preoperative therapy. The research focuses on five common elective hand procedures: Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR); Cubital Tunnel Release (CuTR); Dupuytren's Fasciectomy (DF); Trapeziectomy (TZ); and Trigger Finger Release (TFR).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>British Association of Hand Therapy members were targeted in an online survey. Thirty-seven respondents (5% response rate) participated over 3 months. Questions explored how preoperative therapy improves surgical outcomes, the efficacy of postoperative therapy, and the importance of patient compliance postoperatively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>TZ emerged as the procedure with the highest potential for preoperative therapy benefit, TZ and DF as top procedures for postoperative therapy requirements and importance of patient engagement and compliance. CTR had contradictory responses, while TFR and CuTR received the fewest endorsements for preoperative therapy benefits.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The survey offers insight into hand therapists' perspectives on preoperative therapy. TZ and DF stand out as having significant potential for optimisation. Uncertainty surrounding efficacy of therapy on Dupuytren's Disease indicates the necessity for further research. Education is considered an essential preoperative component. The small sample size warrants caution when interpreting results.</p>","PeriodicalId":43971,"journal":{"name":"Hand Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"17589983251345385"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12146315/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267546","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hand TherapyPub Date : 2025-06-02DOI: 10.1177/17589983251345406
Katia Fournier, Lily Li, Lisa Newington, Alexia Karantana, Grainne Bourke, Ryan W Trickett, Donna L Kennedy
{"title":"Competencies for advanced clinical practice (ACP) hand therapists in first-line management of closed hand fractures: Results of a United-Kingdom (UK) stakeholder consensus study.","authors":"Katia Fournier, Lily Li, Lisa Newington, Alexia Karantana, Grainne Bourke, Ryan W Trickett, Donna L Kennedy","doi":"10.1177/17589983251345406","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17589983251345406","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>In the United Kingdom [UK], Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) roles are being developed to improve access to high-quality patient care, where healthcare services are struggling to meet steadily increasing service demands. Increasingly, ACP hand therapists are assessing and treating acute closed hand fractures. However, the knowledge and skills required of these roles has not been identified or standardised.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Consensus recommendations were developed from an expert panel of medical doctors and hand therapists using an electronic Delphi process. Participants were recruited from purposive and snowball sampling. Delphi questions were developed from a literature review and clinician survey and included rating of items open text responses. Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement. Summary feedback was provided after each round.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 20 panellists (12 medical doctors and 8 hand therapists), of which 18 (90%) completed all rounds. 23 competencies were consistently identified as very important; there was less agreement on how to evidence these competencies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings can be used to develop ACP hand therapist roles and provide a framework to guide individual therapists to base their own learning and development. They underpin safe, efficient and costeffective patient care.</p>","PeriodicalId":43971,"journal":{"name":"Hand Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"17589983251345406"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12133792/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235420","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hand TherapyPub Date : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2025-02-11DOI: 10.1177/17589983251318937
Jyoti Khiani Heiple, Megan Danzl, Barbara Jackson, Tara Ising
{"title":"Therapists' perceptions of the Carroll Upper Extremity Function Test to measure functional outcomes post-hand allotransplantation: A phenomenological study.","authors":"Jyoti Khiani Heiple, Megan Danzl, Barbara Jackson, Tara Ising","doi":"10.1177/17589983251318937","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17589983251318937","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Hand allotransplantation is a treatment option available for individuals who have suffered a traumatic upper extremity injury. To date, there is not an industry-standard recognized measurement tool to assess post-hand allotransplantation functional performance. A commonly used observational functional assessment tool is the Carroll Upper Extremity Function Test (UEFT). This study explored therapists' perceptions of the Carroll UEFT applicability to measure functional outcomes post-hand allotransplantation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study employed a qualitative phenomenological approach with in-depth, semi-structured interviews with five occupational therapists and two physical therapists representing five hand transplant centers in the United States. Braun and Clarke's six-phase thematic analysis approach was utilized for data analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings generated four themes: (1) scoring is too vague and subjectivity prevails, (2) questionable reliability of the scores, (3) translates to real-life functional tasks, and (4) outcomes affecting decisions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study identified limitations of the Carroll UEFT as applied to a targeted population, hand transplant recipients. The <i>scoring is too vague and subjectivity prevails</i> theme was the most resonant theme generated from the participants, with a call for standardization of the assessment. This theme was followed by <i>questionable reliability of the scores,</i> which identifies concerns regarding the reliability of the Carroll UEFT. Rehabilitation services associated with hand allotransplantations can incorporate the findings of this study and collaborate to identify and navigate the transition to an evaluation tool with strong psychometrics for best practice in the assessment of functional outcomes for hand-transplant recipients.</p>","PeriodicalId":43971,"journal":{"name":"Hand Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"82-89"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11815666/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143415717","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hand TherapyPub Date : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2025-02-12DOI: 10.1177/17589983251319030
Terufumi Iitsuka, Hiroshi Kurumadani, Yoshiyuki Inagaki, Hideyuki Ota
{"title":"Recovery in the symmetry of hand use after distal radius fracture.","authors":"Terufumi Iitsuka, Hiroshi Kurumadani, Yoshiyuki Inagaki, Hideyuki Ota","doi":"10.1177/17589983251319030","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17589983251319030","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Hand use recovery after a distal radius fracture (DRF) depends on whether the injured hand is dominant or not, which can affect laterality and influence functional outcomes. This study aimed to investigate how the injured side impacts changes in laterality and its relationship to functional outcome, aiming to contribute to the development of future hand therapy strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients with DRF were prospectively recruited. Triaxial accelerometers were wrist-mounted to collect data at 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively and examine the laterality index (LI), total hand use time, and total vector magnitude. Correlations between LI and functional outcomes were assessed at each time point.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>42 patients participated in this study. Among them, 19 and 23 had injured dominant (DI) and injured non-dominant (non-DI) hands, respectively. The LI showed a faster restoration of symmetry in the DI group than in the non-DI group at 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Moderate correlations between LI and functional outcomes were observed in wrist joints and grip strength in the DI and non-DI groups, respectively, at all time points.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The change in LI in the DI group was considered recovery, as it was identical to the symmetry observed in healthy adults. Additionally, the non-DI group was considered to have adapted to a pattern of predominant use of the dominant hand. The correlation between LI and some functional outcomes appeared to depend on hand use patterns, specifically whether the injured hand was dominant or not. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":43971,"journal":{"name":"Hand Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"72-81"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11822781/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143434123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}