Physiotherapy intervention practice patterns used in rehabilitation after distal radial fracture

ObjectivesTo identify the type and frequency of interventions used by physiotherapists in rehabilitating patients after a distal radial fracture; and, to examine whether any patient or therapist characteristics had an effect on the frequency of interventions administered.DesignObservational study.SettingFour metropolitan outpatient physiotherapy departments.Participants14 physiotherapists reported on 160 distal radial fracture consultations.Main outcome measuresPhysiotherapists recorded the type of interventions and time spent administering interventions during each distal radial fracture consultation.ResultsA combined site response rate of 70% was achieved (160/204). The most common interventions were exercise (155/160), advice (144/160), passive joint mobilisation (88/160) and massage (60/160). Patient characteristics and physiotherapist experience had little impact on the type and frequency of interventions reported by physiotherapists.ConclusionsExercise and advice were the most frequently administered interventions for patients after a distal radial fracture irrespective of physiotherapist or patient factors. During rehabilitation, these interventions aim to restore wrist mobility and are consistent with both fracture management principles and a self management approach. Due to the routine use of exercise and advice there is a need for further research to provide high quality evidence that these interventions improve outcomes in patients after a distal radial fracture.