Effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization in patients operated for distal radius fracture: A randomized controlled blinded clinical study

Abstract

Background: Data on the effectiveness of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, one of the mobilization methods, in Distal Radius Fracture rehabilitation are quite limited. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on pain, range of motion and edema, grip strength and functionality in patients who underwent surgery with open reduction and internal fixation due to Distal Radius Fracture. Study Design: Randomized controlled blinded trial. Methods: Forty-eight patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation with volar plate due to Distal Radius Fracture were randomized into two groups as Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and control group. While all patients received conventional rehabilitation (CRP), patients in the Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization group additionally received Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization with the Graston method. Circumference measurement, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, Visual Analog Scale, grip strength, wrist joint range of motion measurements were performed at the beginning, fourth week and sixth week. Results: When the changes in Visual Analog Scale (rest, activity), range of motion (Flexion, Extension, Supination and Pronation), Edema, Handgrip Strength and Total Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation data of the Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization group and the control group over time (intra-group changes) were compared, a statistically significant change was found for all parameters except the Handgrip Strength variable (p < 0.05). In time-group comparisons, no statistical difference was found in Visual Analog Scale activity, range of motion extension, edema and Total Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation parameters (p > 0.05), while a statistical difference was found in Visual Analog Scale rest, range of motion flexion, supination and pronation and hand grip strength parameters (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Adding Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization applied to the CRP of patients who underwent surgery for Distal Radius Fracture is effective on grip strength and pronation. The addition of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization application to the conventional rehabilitation application did not provide additional effect on edema and functionality. Conventional rehabilitation alone is more effective on rest pain. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.