Comparing paper and smartphone exercises for wrist rehabilitation after a fracture

Use of Paper- Versus Digital Application-based Exercises to Support the Rehabilitation of People Operated by a Palmar Plate for an Intra-articular Distal Radius Fracture. A Multidisciplinary, Prospective, Randomized, Single-blind, Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Hôpital Fribourgeois · NCT06005857

This study is testing whether using a smartphone app or paper exercises helps people recover better and faster from wrist fractures after surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorHôpital Fribourgeois Academic / other
Locations1 site (Fribourg)
Trial IDNCT06005857 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of paper-based versus smartphone application-based exercises in the rehabilitation of patients with intra-articular distal radius fractures. Participants will undergo standard post-operative hand therapy while using either a digital application or paper exercises at home. The study aims to measure improvements in wrist mobility, function, and overall patient satisfaction, as well as the speed of return to work. Key metrics include range of motion, grip strength, and patient-rated evaluations of their recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 who have sustained a complete intra-articular distal radius fracture and can use a smartphone.

Not a fit: Patients with extra-articular fractures, previous wrist injuries, or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance rehabilitation outcomes and improve recovery times for patients with distal radius fractures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with digital applications in rehabilitation, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Complete intra-articular DRF (classification AO 23 C1, C2 or C3)
* Simple palmar operative approach
* Simple palmar plate fixation
* Age 18-65 years
* Worker
* Own either a smartphone or other wireless device
* Consent form signed
* French or German speaker

Exclusion Criteria:

* Extra-articular or partial-articular DRF
* Double/triple operative approaches needed
* Bilateral procedure
* Fracture aged than more of 2 weeks
* Patient refusal/no informed consent
* Inability to give informed consent
* Previous wrist injury or surgery
* Rheumatoid polyarthritis

Where this trial is running

Fribourg

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Distal Radius Fracturedistal radius fracturesmartphone applicationpost-operative rehabilitationopen reduction and internal fixationrange of motion
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.