SMoC-Wrist: a sensorimotor control-based exercise program for patients with chronic wrist pain

Area of Science:

• Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation
• Sensorimotor Control Training
• Wrist Biomechanics

Background:

• Chronic wrist pain significantly impacts daily activities and work, often inadequately addressed by traditional therapies.
• Nonspecific chronic wrist pain frequently leads patients to physiotherapists and hand therapists.
• Current treatments like immobilization and steroid injections offer limited long-term pain relief.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a modified sensorimotor control-based exercise program (SMoC-wrist) for chronic wrist pain.
• To update and substantiate the program with current sensorimotor control principles and wrist kinetics.
• To present a structured, evidence-based approach to rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review approach was employed.
• The exercise program (SMoC-wrist) was modified and substantiated using recent scientific literature.
• The program's structure and content were aligned with sensorimotor control principles.

Main Results:

• A 4-level exercise model based on sensorimotor principles was developed: proprioceptive, conscious static/isometric, conscious dynamic, and unconscious dynamic.
• Detailed descriptions of each level's content and progression criteria are provided.
• The program emphasizes functional reeducation and neuromusculoskeletal system strengthening.

Conclusions:

• The modified SMoC-wrist program offers a structured approach for chronic wrist pain management.
• It prioritizes functional recovery and system strengthening over direct pain reduction.
• Outcome measures for wrist joint position sense and kinesthesia are discussed.