Evidence for your Practice: Feedback-guided exercises performed on a tablet touchscreen improve return to work, function, strength and healthcare usage

Photo by Marek Levák on Unsplash

Article: Blanquero, J., Cortés-Vega, M. D., Rodríguez-Sánchez-Laulhé, P., Corrales-Serra, B. P., Gómez-Patricio, E., Díaz-Matas, N., & Suero-Pineda, A. (2020). Feedback-guided exercises performed on a tablet touchscreen improve return to work, function, strength and healthcare usage more than an exercise program prescribed on paper for people with wrist, hand or finger injuries: a randomised trial. Journal of Physiotherapy, 66(4), 236-242.

Study Aim: To determine if, in people with bone and soft tissue injuries of the wrist, hand and/or fingers, do feedback-guided exercises performed on a tablet touchscreen hasten return to work, reduce healthcare usage and improve clinical recovery more than a home exercise program prescribed on paper?

Study Design: In this randomised, parallel-group trial participants in the experimental group received a home exercise program using the ReHand tablet application, which guides exercises performed on a tablet touchscreen with feedback, monitoring and progression. Participants in the control group were prescribed an evidence-based home exercise program on paper. Both groups received the same in-patient PT and OT treatment. 

Key Findings:

• Compared with the control group, the experimental group: 
• Returned to work sooner 
• Required fewer physiotherapy sessions, rehabilitation consultations and plastic surgery consultations 
• Had better short-term recovery of functional ability and pinch strength

Bottom Line for OT: For people with bone and soft tissue injuries of the wrist, hand, and/or fingers, occupational therapists may consider recommending a feedback-guided home exercise program using a tablet-based application with the goal of functional recovery and return to work.

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