Abstract
Introduction
Hand injuries can cause considerable functional limitations. Successful
surgical treatment requires intensive rehabilitation. However, it is often
difficult for patients to obtain timely appointments with a therapist.
Several studies have already demonstrated the potential of home exercises.
The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of an additional
hand therapy app compared to physiotherapy alone.
Methods
This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, open-label study. A total of
112 patients aged 18 to 65 years (MV±SD: 36.9 years±15.5) with metacarpal
and finger fractures as well as flexor and extensor tendon injuries
participated. The app uses artificial intelligence (AI) and the smartphone’s
integrated camera to capture finger movements and determine the range of
motion (ROM). Furthermore, the integrated AI automatically adjusts the type
and intensity of treatment based on the patient's therapy progress and
symptoms. The patients were divided into two groups. The intervention group
(IG) received the app Novio Hand for 12 weeks after the immobilization phase
in addition to hand therapy (18 units) as standard care (SoC). The control
group (CG) received SoC alone. Improvement in ROM was measured at baseline
and after 2, 6, and 12 weeks.
Results
Independent t-tests showed significantly greater ROM in the IG compared to
the CG at 2 and 6 weeks (p=0.02). A significant trend was observed at 12
weeks. In the IG (50%), significantly more patients achieved the minimal
clinically important difference (MCID) of 40 degrees compared to the CG
(26%). At 6 weeks, the difference was also significant (IG: 79%, KG: 54%).
In the IG, fractures showed an almost full range of motion on average after
6 weeks, whereas in the CG, significant movement deficits could still be
quantified after 12 weeks.
Conclusion
Therapy with the Novio Hand app, in addition to SoC can accelerate
rehabilitation and improve functional results. The hand therapy app
effectively serves as a “physiotherapist” in your pocket, allowing for
regular training at any time and from any location.
Keywords Hand therapy - artificial intelligence (AI) - fracture - flexor tendon injury
