Effects of home exercise-based mobile games on thumb rehabilitation outcomes

Abstract

İntroduction

In hand injuries involving thumb impairment, rehabilitation must be conducted meticulously as it is essential for restoring hand function and facilitating return to daily life and work. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of prescribing mobile games as home exercises on recovery outcomes in patients with thumb involvement due to thumb injuries and/or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Method

This randomized controlled trial included 31 patients who were randomly assigned to either the routine rehabilitation (RR) group or the mobile game (MG) group. The primary outcome measure was functional status, assessed using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Q-DASH) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included hand function evaluated with the Duruöz Hand Index (DHI), activity-related pain assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), range of motion (ROM) measured with a goniometer, edema assessed with a tape measure, and adherence to home exercises monitored using a home exercise tracking form.

Results

In both groups, statistically significant improvements were observed in all parameters after treatment compared to baseline (p < 0.05); however, no differences were found in the primary outcome measure (p > 0.05). In the between-group comparison, a significant difference in favor of the MG group was observed only for total active motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint and adherence to home exercises (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Mobile game–assisted home exercises appear feasible for patients with thumb involvement. While MCP joint motion improved significantly, no differences were found in pain or function. Further research is needed to confirm clinical relevance.