Investigating the effects of closed kinetic chain exercises on joint point sense, functionality, range of motion, and pain in individuals with distal radius fracture: a randomized controlled trial

Methods

Forty individuals with conservatively treated DRF were randomly assigned to either the CKCE or conventional physiotherapy (CP) group. Both groups participated in a six-week rehabilitation program after cast removal. Outcome measures included Visual Analog Scale for activity-related pain (VAS-Activity), ROM (flexion/extension), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and joint position sense (JPS).

Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in all parameters (p < 0.05). However, the CKCE group demonstrated greater improvements in VAS-Activity (ES=-1.06), ROM/Extension (ES=-0.85), ROM/Flexion (ES=-0.78), DASH (ES=-1.99), and JPS (ES=-0.78), (p < 0.05). Conclusions: CKCE was more effective than conventional exercises in improving proprioception, joint stabilization, and functional recovery in DRF rehabilitation.

These findings support the inclusion of CKCE in rehabilitation programs.