Gamification for Distal Radius Fracture Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• Gamification is an emerging rehabilitation strategy with proven benefits for chronic conditions.
• Its application in functional recovery following distal radius fractures (DRF) remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of gamification in the rehabilitation of patients with distal radius fractures.
• To compare gamified rehabilitation with conventional physiotherapy for DRF recovery.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 20 patients with unilateral DRF, aged 18-65.
• Participants were randomized into a gamification group (VR games on Oculus Quest) and a conventional rehabilitation group.
• Both groups underwent a 4-week rehabilitation program; outcomes measured included pain (VAS), range of motion (ROM), grip strength, and functional independence (DASH).

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant improvements in pain, ROM, grip strength, and functional independence.
• The gamification group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in hand function and overall functional independence compared to the conventional group.

Conclusions:

• Gamification shows significant positive impact on pain reduction, ROM, grip strength, and functional recovery post-DRF.
• This pilot study suggests gamification is a promising adjunct or alternative to conventional physiotherapy for distal radius fracture rehabilitation.