NCT02667405

The Short Term Effect of Hot Packs and Whirlpool for Increasing Total Active Motion at the Wrist

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 61 (actual)
• Sponsor: Western University, Canada · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study investigates the effect of hot packs versus whirlpool and exercise for patients with distal radius fracture (DRF). Patients with recently healed DRF are randomized into two groups, with one group receiving hot packs during therapy and the other immersing the arm in a whirlpool for 3 consecutive therapy visits. The effect of these modalities on range of motion and volume of the hand are evaluated, with measurements taking place before and immediately after heat during each visit.

Detailed description

This study investigates the short term effect of hot packs versus whirlpool and exercise for patients with distal radius fracture (DRF) during a therapy visit. Patients with recently healed DRF are randomized into two groups, with one group receiving hot packs during therapy and the other immersing the arm in a whirlpool for 3 consecutive therapy visits. Measurements of wrist and forearm range of motion, and volume of the hand are recorded before and immediately after heat for each visit, effectively creating six measurement time points. Change scores are recorded for range of motion and for volume, and analyzed using MANOVA to determine differences between groups.

Conditions

• Distal Radius Fracture

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Hot Pack	Patients have a hot pack and 2 layers of towel wrapped around the wrist and forearm for 15 minutes
PROCEDURE	Whirlpool	Patients immerse their arm, from elbow to hand, in a whirlpool bath of 104 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes

Timeline

• Start date: 2012-12-01
• Primary completion: 2014-05-01
• Completion: 2014-05-01
• First posted: 2016-01-28
• Last updated: 2016-01-28

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Canada