Abstract
Introduction
Distal radius fractures are common in women aged over 50. Common complications are pain, oedema, and finger stiffness, which can impact the ability to perform many daily activities. An exercise program for mobility and strength is a traditional early treatment. Little is known about the influence of occupational performance intervention in the early stage. The aim was to evaluate the effect of early intervention at the emergency department focusing on occupational performance in women over 50 years with distal radius fracture.
Methods
A nonrandomized controlled trial, with an intervention group (n = 24) and a control group (n = 24). The intervention group had a dialogue with an occupational therapist highlighting activity issues in the present situation. The control group got treatment as usual. Patient reported outcome measures were used as assessment at an estimated baseline, 1 week, 4 to 5 weeks, and 7 to 8 weeks after injury with COPM, DASH, and a single question about perceived independence of occupational performance. Change over time and differences between groups were calculated.
Results
Both groups improved their occupational performance significantly during the 2 months follow up, but the intervention group valued their improved ability and independence significantly higher than the control group. Some of the participants in the intervention group scored within normative values for women with DASH, already at 4 to 5 weeks and 7 to 8 weeks after the injury.
Conclusions
The results indicate potential importance of very early occupational performance intervention at the emergency department, as a valuable complement to traditional treatment of distal radius fracture.
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