The Efficacy of Tele-Rehabilitation Program for Improving Upper Limb Function among Adults Following Elbow Fractures: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Active mobilization post-elbow fractures reduces the incidence of complications. Occupational therapists use tele-rehabilitation, incorporating technology into their practices. There is a lack of evidence-based trials regarding the integration of tele-rehabilitation during treatment. We therefore aimed to compare tele-rehabilitation treatment outcomes with conventional rehabilitation in improving the upper limb function post-elbow fractures. Methods: Eighteen participants post-elbow surgery due to fracture were divided into two groups according to age and fracture type. The groups received one month of treatment: the tele-rehabilitation group (N = 9, median age 33.0 ± 27.9 years, range 18.5–61.0) received 1–2 tele-rehabilitation treatments per week via a biofeedback system of elbow motion (the ArmTutor and 3D Tutor systems, MediTouch Ltd, Netanya, Israel) and 1–2 treatments in an outpatient clinic, and the control group (N = 9, median age 60.0 ± 37.0 years, range 20.5–73.0) received 3–4 treatments per week in the clinic. Both groups were instructed to self-practice at home. Four evaluations were performed: before and after the intervention, and 3 months and 1 year from surgery. The outcome measures included the Jebsen–Taylor hand function test; the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand questionnaire; the patient-rated elbow evaluation; satisfaction; passive and active range of motion (ROM); and strength measurements. Results: Findings demonstrated a significant improvement in the ROM and in functional assessments in both groups. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups. The subjects in the tele-rehabilitation group reported a higher level of satisfaction and needed less help from a family member during practice. Conclusion: Tele-rehabilitation programs could be incorporated in the framework of treatment following elbow fractures. Tele-rehabilitation is a cost-effective treatment, suitable for patients with accessibility difficulties or who have difficulty arriving at the clinic.

Lessons Learned during a Naturalistic Study of Online Treatment for Pediatric Rehabilitation

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Global Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Orthopedics and the Implications of Telemedicine: A Systematic Review of the Literature

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Development of Joint Activity Angle Measurement and Cloud Data Storage System

“…Remote rehabilitation has been used by some occupational therapists. The performance of the upper elbow (when comparing remote rehabilitation and traditional rehabilitation) was evaluated for elbow fracture improvement [25]. Results showed that the satisfaction reported with remote rehabilitation was much higher.…”