IMPACT OF IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY-BASED REHABILITATION ON FUNCTIONAL INDEPENDENCE AND HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURE: A STUDY PROTOCOL FOR A SINGLE BLINDED RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL.

Abstract

Background: Physiotherapy techniques are often used to optimize recovery following a distal radial fracture. This the most common upper limb fracture in all age groups. Around 1 in 1000 men and 4 in 1000 women fracture their distal radius. To date, however, work on immersive virtual reality -based rehabilitation of patients with distal radius fracture is limited. This research aims to assess the efficacy of immersive virtual reality in patients with DRF. Methods: In a single-blinded RCT, subjects (n = 40) with DRF will be recruited. The participants will be enrolled into either experimental or control group with 1:1 allocation ratio. Participants in experimental group will receive both immersive virtual reality and conventional therapy over a period of 6-week immediately following baseline assessments and randomization. Participants in conventional group would undergo only conventional therapy. Throughout the treatement duration and following 6 weeks, daily living activity performance, the hand function and mental status will be assessed in the form of questionnaires. Discussion: The goal of this clinical trial is to examine the impact of immersive virtual reality after DRF on functional independence and health related quality of life. To conclude, this research seeks to examine the rapid and long term effects of virtual reality in DRF patients. The study findings would help prospective patients with DRF, which may include a newly designed method of rehabilitation.