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The effect of digital smart glove intervention on hand functions in patients with traumatic hand injury
Eun-Ju Jo1, Yun Jun Cha2, Dong Hee Noh3
1Department of Occupational Therapy, Masan University, 2640, Hamma-daero, Naeseo-eup, Masanhoewon-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea.
Introduction:
Virtual reality training with a digital smart glove aids patients with central nervous system disorders in recovering hand function by enhancing neuroplasticity. The effectiveness and applicability of such intervention in the rehabilitation of patients with traumatic hand injuries need to be investigated.
Objectives:
The present study investigated the effectiveness of combining a digital smart glove intervention and traditional intervention (DI + TI) compared to traditional therapy (TI) alone for rehabilitating traumatic hand injuries.
Methods:
Twenty-two patients with traumatic hand injuries who consented to participate were allocated to either the DI + TI or TI group at C Hospital in South Korea. Both groups received interventions for 30 min at a time, five times a week, for four weeks, comprising 20 sessions. All participants were under the same conditions except for the type of intervention. Pre- and post-assessments were conducted using a visual analog scale (VAS), grip and pinch strength measurements, the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT), the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT), and the QuickDASH, respectively, before and after a 4-week intervention.
Results:
Following the 4-week intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in hand function, as measured by JTHFT, grip and pinch strengths, and upper limb movement, as assessed by QuickDash (p < .05). However, a significant difference was found between groups only in MMDT placing scores for hand dexterity (p < .05). In other outcomes, there were no significant differences between the two groups (p > .05).
Conclusions:
Virtual reality training with digital smart gloves combined with traditional treatment effectively improves general hand function and strength, especially dexterity, in patients with hand injuries. Given the benefits of convenience, safety, and motivation, virtual reality interventions are considered beneficial for clinical application in hand injury rehabilitation.
