Abstract
Objective To systematically analyze the existing intelligent rehabilitation mobile applications (APPs) related to distal radius fracture (DRF) and evaluate their features and characteristics, so as to help doctors and patients to make evidence-based choice for appropriate intelligent-assisted rehabilitation. Methods Literatures which in regard to the intelligent rehabilitation tools of DRF were systematic retrieved from the PubMed, the Cochrane library, Wan Fang, and VIP Data. The effective APPs were systematically screened out through the APP markets of iOS and Android mobile platform, and the functional characteristics of different APPs were evaluated and analyzed. Results A total of 8 literatures and 31 APPs were included, which were divided into four categories: intelligent intervention, angle measurement, intelligent monitoring, and auxiliary rehabilitation games. These APPs provide support for the patients' home rehabilitation guidance and training and make up for the high cost and space limitations of traditional rehabilitation methods. The intelligent intervention category has the largest download ratio in the APP market. Angle measurement tools help DRF patients to measure the joint angle autonomously to judge the degree of rehabilitation, which is the most concentrated type of literature research. Some of the APPs and tools have obtained good clinical verification. However, due to the restrictions of cost, geographic authority, and applicable population, a large number of APPs still lack effective evidence to support popularization. Conclusion Patients with DRF could draw support from different kinds of APPs in order to fulfill personal need and promote self-management. Intelligent rehabilitation APPs play a positive role in the rehabilitation of patients, but the acceptance of the utilization for intelligent rehabilitation APPs is relatively low, which might need follow-up research to address the conundrum.
Highlights
Distal radius fracture (DRF) is one of the common upper limb fractures, which could be accounted for about 15.7% of upper limb fractures [1]
This study provides reference for patients with different needs to choose appropriate intelligent auxiliary rehabilitation tools: the services provided by intelligent intervention and monitoring APPs are more humanized with easier instruction to operate, which is suitable for middle-aged and elderly patients who cannot master APP skillfully; the rehabilitation gaming APPs are more interesting, but the operation and use process is relatively complicated, which are more suitable for younger patients; and the angle measurement APPs require relevant rehabilitation theory knowledge and are more suitable for patients to utilize under the guidance of medical staff or with the assistance of family members
Through systematic evidence-based analysis based on literature and APP platforms, this study integrates different types of intelligent rehabilitation APPs that are suitable for DRF rehabilitation and explores its effects on the rehabilitation of such fractures from different perspectives
Summary
Distal radius fracture (DRF) is one of the common upper limb fractures, which could be accounted for about 15.7% of upper limb fractures [1]. It is more common in elderly women; this may be due to the effects of osteoporosis and eventually lead to falls. Majority of the patients with this type of fracture are mainly middle-aged and elderly women, most of whom still have a misunderstanding that they need to rest and cannot exercise during the recovery phase. Exercise intervention has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to improve health and promote recovery [2].
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