Abstract
In this study, 47 patients after distal radius fractures were combined in a 6-week Home Exercise program and occupational therapy based on previous studies. The purpose of the study was to determine whether the amount of Home Exercise is related to the treatment results after distal radius fracture, and to clarify the characteristics of patients who do much Home Exercise. The treatment results were evaluated for PRWE (Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation), wrist joint range of motion, and grip strength at 6 and 12 weeks after surgery. There was an association between amount of Home Exercise and treatment outcomes based on forearm supination range of six weeks after surgery of patients 70 years old or older. However, the correlation with other treatment results was not clear. The patient factor which markedly increased Home Exercise was work injury. The Home Exercise program is considered an effective means to obtain good treatment results even for the elderly with poor understanding of Home Exercise by combining the instruction with occupational therapy.
