Efficiency of the Use of Tape Kinesiology and Hand Trainers in Complex Rehabilitation of Patients With Forearm Fractures

Abstract

Fractures of bones of the forearm are the most frequent damage of the bones of the upper limb. A high percentage of unsatisfactory results of the treatment necessitates research on the development of effective methods of medical rehabilitation. Purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness of tape kinesiology and hand trainers in the medical rehabilitation of patients with fractures of the forearm bones. Material and methods. 68 patients (22 men and 46 women) aged of 19-85 years with isolated fractures of the forearm bones were examined. In 65 patients, bone osteosynthesis was performed, external fixation devices were used in 3 patients. All patients were divided into three groups. All patients were divided into three groups. The 21 cases from the control group received standard medical rehabilitation. In 23 patients from the comparison group the standard medical rehabilitation was supplemented by standard kinesiology with standard medical rehabilitation. In 24 patients from the main group hand trainers were used against the background of standard medical rehabilitation and kinesiology. The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed on the basis of the VAS scale, the DASH and SF-36 questionnaires, the Green and O’Brien scoring scheme. Results. The complex application of tape kinesiology and hand trainers in comparison with standard medical rehabilitation and the use of tape kinesiology allows increase the amplitude of movements by 29,1% and 11,0%, rotational movements by 24,11% and 9,12%, to improve the DASH 46,8% and 19,6%; reduce the severity of the pain syndrome by 45,5% and 22,7%, diminish the number of patients with edema by 1,8 and 1,5 times, respectively. In the long-term period surpasses the effectiveness of using kinesiotherapy by the amplitude of movement by 7,9%, rotational movements by 13,4%, DASH by 8,9%, and quality of life by 11,7%. Conclusion. The comprehensive application of tape kinesiology and hand trainers allows significantly reduce the severity of the pain syndrome, contributes both to the cupping of the edema and the most complete restoration of the functions of the wrist joint, as well to the improvement of the quality of life of patients.