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Completed

NCT Number: NCT02667405

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

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Distal Radius Fracture Arm Injuries Fractures, Bone Wounds and Injuries Wrist Fractures Wrist Injuries

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Roth McFarlane Hand & Upper Limb Centre

London, Ontario, N6A 4L6, Canada

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

Hot Pack

Procedure

Patients have a hot pack and 2 layers of towel wrapped around the wrist and forearm for 15 minutes

Whirlpool

Procedure

Patients immerse their arm, from elbow to hand, in a whirlpool bath of 104 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Wrist Range of Motion (ROM)

    Time frame: 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 outcomes

  1. Change in Hand Volume

    Time frame: 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

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Western University, Canada

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2012
Primary completion
2014
Study completion
2014
First posted
Jan 28, 2016
Registry last updated
Jan 28, 2016

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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