This study is a randomized controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) added to conventional rehabilitation on functional and sensorimotor recovery in patients with conservatively treated distal radius fractures. Following immobilization, patients often experience pain, reduced range of motion, decreased muscle strength, and impaired proprioception, which negatively affect functional recovery. WBV is thought to enhance neuromuscular activation and improve proprioceptive input, thereby contributing to functional performance. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups; the experimental group will receive WBV in addition to conventional rehabilitation three times per week for eight weeks, while the control group will receive only conventional rehabilitation. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, week 4, and week 8. The primary outcome measure is the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), while secondary outcomes include QuickDASH, Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), joint position sense, grip strength, range of motion, and fine motor skills.
This study is designed as a single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) added to conventional rehabilitation on functional and sensorimotor recovery in patients with conservatively treated distal radius fractures. Distal radius fractures are among the most common upper extremity injuries and may lead to pain, reduced range of motion, decreased muscle strength, and impaired proprioception following immobilization. These impairments can delay functional recovery and negatively affect the return to daily activities. Whole body vibration is considered a complementary rehabilitation approach that can enhance neuromuscular activation through mechanical stimulation and may improve proprioceptive input via muscle spindle activation and afferent pathways. Therefore, WBV is thought to contribute to improvements in coordination, muscle performance, and overall functional outcomes. A total of 66 participants who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned into two groups. The experimental group will receive WBV in addition to a conventional rehabilitation program, while the control group will receive only the conventional rehabilitation program. Both groups will undergo treatment three times per week for eight weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45-60 minutes. The WBV intervention will be applied using a vibration platform at a frequency of 30-35 Hz and a low amplitude (2 mm). The intervention protocol will be progressively increased over time, and exercises will be performed in two positions: an upper extremity weight-bearing position and a semi-squat position. All assessments will be conducted at baseline, week 4, and week 8 by a blinded assessor. The primary outcome measure will be the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE). Secondary outcome measures will include the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), joint position sense (JPS), grip strength, range of motion, and fine motor skills assessed by the Nine-Hole Peg Test. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness of WBV in distal radius fracture rehabilitation and contribute to the development of sensorimotor-oriented rehabilitation strategies.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
66
Whole-body vibration therapy will be administered using a Power Plate device at a frequency of 35 Hz and an amplitude of 2 mm, three sessions per week for 8 weeks, in addition to a standardized conventional rehabilitation program.
Participants will receive a standardized conventional rehabilitation program including range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, proprioceptive training, functional activities, and patient education three times per week for 8 weeks.
Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) Score
The Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaire will be used to assess wrist pain and function. Scores range from 0 to 100, with lower scores indicating better wrist function and less pain.
Time frame: From baseline to Week 8 (assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8)
Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) Score
Upper extremity disability and functional status will be assessed using the QuickDASH questionnaire. Scores range from 0 to 100, with lower scores indicating better upper extremity function.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Pain intensity will be evaluated using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), with scores ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Lower scores indicate less pain.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8
Wrist Joint Position Sense (JPS)
Wrist proprioception will be assessed using a joint position sense (JPS) test by measuring the absolute angular error between the target position and the reproduced position. Lower values indicate better proprioceptive accuracy.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8
Grip Strength
Grip strength will be measured using a calibrated hand dynamometer. The average of three trials will be recorded, with higher values indicating greater grip strength.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8
Wrist Range of Motion
Wrist and forearm range of motion will be measured using a goniometer. Higher angular values indicate greater joint mobility.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8
Nine-Hole Peg Test
Fine motor dexterity will be evaluated using the Nine-Hole Peg Test. The time required to complete the test will be recorded in seconds, with shorter completion times indicating better hand dexterity.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8
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