The Short Term Effect of Hot Packs and Whirlpool for Increasing Total Active Motion at the Wrist

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Distal Radius Fracture
• Interventions: Procedure: Whirlpool; Procedure: Hot Pack

• Registration Number: NCT02667405
• Lead Sponsor: Western University, Canada

Brief Summary

This study investigates the effect of hot packs versus whirlpool and exercise for patients with distal radius fracture (DRF). Patients with recently healed DRF are randomized into two groups, with one group receiving hot packs during therapy and the other immersing the arm in a whirlpool for 3 consecutive therapy visits. The effect of these modalities on range of motion and volume of the hand are evaluated, with measurements taking place before and immediately after heat during each visit.

Detailed Description

This study investigates the short term effect of hot packs versus whirlpool and exercise for patients with distal radius fracture (DRF) during a therapy visit. Patients with recently healed DRF are randomized into two groups, with one group receiving hot packs during therapy and the other immersing the arm in a whirlpool for 3 consecutive therapy visits.

Measurements of wrist and forearm range of motion, and volume of the hand are recorded before and immediately after heat for each visit, effectively creating six measurement time points. Change scores are recorded for range of motion and for volume, and analyzed using MANOVA to determine differences between groups.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2012-12
• Primary Completion: 2014-05
• Study Completion: 2014-05
• Study First Submitted: 2015-12-07
• Status Verified: 2016-01
• Study First Submitted QC: 2016-01-27
• Last Update Submitted: 2016-01-27
• Study First Posted: 2016-01-28
• Last Update Posted: 2016-01-28

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 61

Inclusion Criteria

• Healed DRF,
• allowed to perform motion.

Exclusion Criteria

• Complex regional pain syndrome,
• inability to read/understand english,
• inability to attend follow up sessions due to driving distance from clinic,
• Raynaud's phenomenon

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Whirlpool	Whirlpool	Immersion in Whirlpool during therapy
Hot Pack	Hot Pack	Hot Pack Application during therapy.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in Wrist Range of Motion (ROM)	Immediately before and within 5 minutes of completing heat application for 3 consecutive weekly therapy visits	Measurement of wrist flexion/extension, radial/ulnar deviation/ and pro/supination

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in Hand Volume	Immediately before, within 5 minutes of completing heat application, then 30 minutes later for 3 consecutive weekly therapy visits	Volumetric measurement of the hand using a standardized volunteer

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Roth McFarlane Hand & Upper Limb Centre; 🇨🇦 London, Ontario, Canada