Effect of Adding Shoulder Stabilization Exercises to the Rehabilitation of Postoperative Hand Injuries in Young Adult Patients.

Background: Hand injuries are common and could have an impact on all upper limb functions. Engaging shoulder muscle training during the rehabilitation protocol postoperatively could have a significant impact on regaining all upper limb function. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of adding shoulder stabilization exercise to hand rehabilitation postoperatively.

Methods: Forty patients were randomly assigned to 2 equal groups. Group A received a standard physical therapy program plus shoulder exercise protocol and group B received only a standard physical therapy protocol for hand rehabilitation. Outcome measures were pain intensity; grip strength; Arabic modified Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire; and range of motion (ROM). All outcome measures were assessed before and after treatment.

Results: Statistical analysis revealed that both groups, the experimental and control, showed significant improvement in all outcome measures, but experimental group A showed significant improvement than the control group B posttreatment for hand grip strength, ROM, and QuickDASH questioners (P < .001).

Conclusion: Adding shoulder stabilizer muscle training to the hand rehabilitation protocol postoperatively has a significant impact on hand function outcomes.