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Step Count as a Digital Mobility Outcome-A Pilot Study on Differences Between the Upper and Lower Extremities
Dannik Haas1, Carolina Vogel1, Chiara N Meierhofer1
1Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, BG Klinik Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 95, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Patients with lower extremity fractures showed fewer daily steps post-surgery compared to upper extremity fractures. Return-to-work rates were also lower for lower extremity injuries within three months.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Wearable Technology
- Rehabilitation
Background:
- Lower extremity fractures significantly impair mobility, while upper extremity fractures impact limb function.
- Wearable devices offer objective, continuous monitoring of physical activity for assessing recovery.
- Understanding postoperative recovery differences between upper and lower extremity fractures is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare postoperative daily step count trajectories in patients with upper vs. lower extremity fractures.
- To explore associations between step counts, general health, and return to work.
- To investigate recovery patterns using wearable device data.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study including 38 upper and 55 lower extremity fracture patients.
- Postoperative daily step counts were continuously monitored using wearable devices.
- General health and work status were assessed at three months post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Lower extremity fractures had significantly lower daily step counts in the early postoperative period.
- Within three months, 89% of upper extremity patients returned to work versus 49% of lower extremity patients.
- Step count trajectories varied between the two fracture groups.
Conclusions:
- Postoperative step count trajectories and return-to-work rates differ between upper and lower extremity fractures.
- Findings suggest distinct recovery patterns influenced by fracture location.
- Study limitations include heterogeneous devices and exploratory design; results are preliminary.
