Kinesiophobia and Functional Outcomes in Distal Radius Fractures
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Conservative Treatment of Distal Radius Fracture.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Distal Radius Fracture. Basic parameters: from 18 years · Female.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Time-Dependent Changes in Kinesiophobia and Functional Outcomes in Conservatively Treated Distal Radius Fractures
Overview
Distal radius fractures are among the most common fractures in adults and are frequently treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization. Although fracture healing is generally successful, some patients may develop fear of movement (kinesiophobia) after cast removal because of pain, reinjury concerns, or reduced confidence in using the injured wrist. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the level of kinesiophobia in adults with conservatively treated distal radius fractures and to investigate how kinesiophobia changes over time following cast removal. The study will also examine the relationship between kinesiophobia and functional recovery. Participants will be assessed after cast removal and again at three months following injury. Kinesiophobia, pain intensity, hand and wrist function, range of motion, grip strength, and upper extremity disability will be evaluated using standardized assessment tools. The findings may help clinicians better understand the role of movement-related fear in recovery and support the development of rehabilitation strategies aimed at improving functional outcomes after distal radius fractures.
Detailed description
Distal radius fractures are among the most frequently encountered upper-extremity fractures in adults and are commonly managed using conservative treatment methods, including closed reduction and cast immobilization. While successful bone healing is generally achieved, prolonged immobilization may contribute to pain, stiffness, reduced confidence in movement, and the development of kinesiophobia (fear of movement).
Kinesiophobia has been recognized as an important psychological factor that may negatively influence rehabilitation outcomes in various musculoskeletal conditions. Increased fear of movement may result in activity avoidance, delayed return to daily activities, reduced use of the affected extremity, and persistent disability. Recent studies have demonstrated associations between kinesiophobia and upper-limb functional limitations following wrist and hand injuries; however, evidence regarding the temporal evolution of kinesiophobia after conservatively treated distal radius fractures remains limited.
The primary objective of this prospective observational clinical study is to evaluate changes in kinesiophobia over time in adults with conservatively treated distal radius fractures. The secondary objective is to investigate the relationship between kinesiophobia and functional outcomes during the recovery process.
Patients aged 18-65 years with AO type A distal radius fractures treated with closed reduction and short-arm cast immobilization will be recruited from the Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic of Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital. All participants will receive standard conservative treatment. The cast will be removed at approximately five weeks after injury.
The first assessment will be performed three days after cast removal. Kinesiophobia will be evaluated using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), and pain intensity will be recorded using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). A second assessment will be conducted at the third month following injury. At this time, kinesiophobia will be reassessed using the TSK. Functional status will be evaluated using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire. Hand and wrist function, grip strength, and relevant clinical parameters will also be assessed.
Inclusion criteria include adults aged 18-65 years with AO type A distal radius fractures treated conservatively with closed reduction and short-arm cast immobilization and without treatment-related complications. Exclusion criteria include previous fracture or neurological disorders affecting the same upper extremity, concomitant injuries involving the wrist, elbow, or shoulder, cognitive impairment, severe psychiatric disorders, and surgically treated distal radius fractures.
No experimental intervention, additional imaging procedure, or investigational medication will be used. All participants will provide written informed consent prior to enrollment. The study will be conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.
The results of this study are expected to improve understanding of the role of kinesiophobia in recovery after distal radius fractures and may contribute to the development of rehabilitation programs targeting psychological as well as physical aspects of recovery.
Interventions
- Other Conservative Treatment of Distal Radius Fracture
Standard conservative management consisting of closed reduction followed by short-arm cast immobilization for the treatment of distal radius fractures.
Primary outcome measures
- Change in Kinesiophobia Level [Time frame: Week 5 (3 days after cast removal) and Month 3]
Secondary outcome measures (4)
- Upper Extremity Disability [Time frame: Month 3]
- Pain Intensity [Time frame: Week 5 and Month 3]
- Grip Strength [Time frame: Month 3]
- Wrist Range of Motion [Time frame: Month 3]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Age range: 18-65 years
- Non-intra-articular extension (AO type A) distal radius fracture
- Treatment with closed reduction and short arm cast
- No complications during treatment (redisplacement, fracture failure, etc.)
- Ability to cooperate and complete the questionnaire
Exclusion criteria
- History of previous fracture or neurological pathology in the same extremity
- Associated wrist, elbow, or shoulder injury
- Cognitive impairment or serious psychiatric illness
- Surgically treated distal radius fractures
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Publications
- Roman-Veas J, Gutierrez-Monclus R, Lopez-Gil JF, Valenzuela-Fuenzalida J, Araya-Quintanilla F, Gutierrez-Espinoza H, Hagert E. Baseline predictors related to functional outcomes in patients older than sixty years with complex regional pain syndrome type 1 after distal radius fracture treated conservatively: a prospective observational study. Int Orthop. 2023 Sep;47(9):2275-2284. doi: 10.1007/s0026 PMID 37438487
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07668531 · MarmaraUni-02