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EFFICACY OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN ELDERLY WITH CONSERVATIVELY TREATED DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURE
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Abstract
Background: Distal radius fracture in the elderly is a common injury that can lead to impaired motor function and reduced independence in activities of daily living. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a patient-centered occupational therapy protocol in the functional rehabilitation of this patient group. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 30 patients aged 60 and over immediately after completing conservative treatment with a cast for distal radius fractures. Patients participated in an 8-week home-based occupational therapy program. Indicators of wrist range of motion, grip strength, pain level (VAS - Visual Analog Scale), upper extremity function (QuickDASH- Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand), and performance and satisfaction in activities of daily living (COPM – Canadian Occupational Performance Measure) were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: After 8 weeks of intervention, all assessment indicators showed statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05). Range of motion and grip strength increased significantly. Pain during movement was sharply reduced. The average QuickDASH score decreased from 56.33 to 22.33. The average performance and satisfaction scores on the COPM also increased markedly, indicating a great improvement in independence in activities meaningful to the patients. Conclusion: The 8-week occupational therapy protocol demonstrated clear effectiveness in restoring function and enhancing independence in activities of daily living for elderly patients after distal radius fracture.
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Keywords
occupational therapy, rehabilitation, distal radius fracture
References
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