Application of continuous passive motion in patients with distal radius fractures: A randomized clinical trial

The aim of this study was to know if applying continuous passive motion (CPM) in addition to routine exercises is more effective than routine exercises alone in pain reduction, range of motion (ROM) and function improvement after distal radius fractures (DRFs). In this randomized controlled trial, 21 patients with non-stabilized DRF after pin removal were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received stretching exercises with CPM machine for 2×15min per session. Both groups received routine exercises for 1h, three times a week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure was pain evaluated on a visual analog scale (VAS), and the secondary outcome measures were disability evaluated by the patient-rated wrist/hand evaluation and ROM (goniometry) at 4, 6, and 12 weeks. Univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and a one-way repeated measure mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for data analysis. Twenty-one participants completed the 12-week follow-up. Pain relief, ROM and functional improvement revealed that the treatment was successful in both groups. We detected no significant differences (p>0.05) between the two groups at the end of the follow-up period regarding pain, ROM, and function. Using a CPM machine had no additional effect on pain reduction, ROM and function improvement compared with routine exercises in patients with DRF.