Effectiveness Of A Wrist Rehabilitation Group Including Proprioceptive Exercises: A Pilot Study

Sarah Grzegorczyn, Lisa J. O'Brien, Jane Aarons, Claire Stockdale

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: There is emerging evidence regarding the important role of wrist ligaments in proprioceptive function of the upper limb. It is, however, unknown whether rehabilitation programs that include proprioceptive activities result in improved pain and function for people with injuries to wrist ligaments. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of proprioceptive exercises in rehabilitating wrist injuries. Method: A pilot, pre-post, repeated measures study was completed at a private hand therapy practice. Participants were excluded if they had a peripheral nerve laceration, complex regional pain syndrome or coexisting rheumatological conditions. Participants attended the rehabilitation group one or two times a week for 6 weeks. Exercises completed during and outside group time were recorded and categorised into types of exercises. The primary outcome was pain and function, measured by the Patient Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE). The secondary outcome was grip strength using a Jamar Dynamometer. Measures were taken at baseline, 4 and 6 weeks. Locus of control scores were also recorded. Results: Four participants completed the intervention, limiting the power and generalisability of the results. A statistically significant relationship was found between grip strength and a Multidimesional Health Locus of Control ‘other’ rating. Most participants’ grip strength and reported pain and function improved but did not reach significance. Conclusion: While overall results were not significant, general improvements were seen in all participants. This suggests the need for future research involving larger samples, proprioceptive-specific exercises over an extended period of time with a longer follow up period.
Original languageEnglish
Pages4-4
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 2015

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