Efficacy of Compression Gloves in the Rehabilitation of Distal Radius Fractures: Randomized Controlled Study

Objective To examine the outcomes of wearing made-to-measure compression gloves following distal radius fracture. Design In a randomized controlled trial, adults who were about six weeks post-distal radius fracture were recruited and divided into a comparison control group (N=15), who received standard rehabilitation twice a week for half an hour, and an intervention group (N=17), who additionally used compression gloves. All treatments were conducted at a single rehabilitation clinic. Outcomes assessed were wrist and fingers range of motion; grip strength; swelling, pain, and activities of daily living (using the Patient Rating Wrist Evaluation). The intervention group underwent additional objective dynamic assessments of range of motion with and without the gloves. Results The intervention group demonstrated reduced swelling, pain, and analgesic use; increased wrist range of motion; better scores for specific hand functions, and greater participation in activities of daily living compared with the comparison group. Conclusion This randomized controlled trial shows that using compression gloves during the rehabilitation phase following distal radius fracture improves daily functioning and reduces adverse symptoms. These improvements, which are important in their own right, are also expected to aid in preventing the development of chronic conditions and disability. Evidence Level II: un-blinded prospective comparative study. Correspondence: Dr. Naomi Schreuer, Dept. of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, 31905 Israel, Phone: +972 5252 11119, Fax +972 4 8249753, Email nchreuer@univ.haifa.ac.il Disclosures: This research was partially supported by the donation of made-to-measure compression gloves by Uriel Meditex Ltd and by the provision of the MediTouch HandTutorTM system for use during the study. However, neither manufacturer employed or otherwise remunerated any of the authors. Researchers declare no competing interests. The paper is based on a thesis submitted as part of the requirements for the MSc. degree in Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Israel (In Hebrew). Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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