Actively Recruiting
The Impact of Early ADL Participation on Functional Outcomes Post Distal Radius Fracture
Led by George Washington University · Updated on 2026-02-12
64
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
G
George Washington University
Lead Sponsor
A
American Hand Therapy Foundation
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the impact of starting daily activities early after a distal radius fracture treated with a cast. This randomized controlled trial compares two groups to see how early activity affects recovery and function after this type of wrist fracture. The study aims to understand differences in pain, movement, strength, and coordination between patients who receive special instructions for activity and those who receive standard cast care advice. Participants are assigned randomly to either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group watches a video and receives a handout about how to perform daily activities safely with the injured hand while in a cast, along with cast care information. The control group watches a video and receives a handout focused only on cast care. Data collection occurs at initial evaluation between 0 and 3 weeks, then at 6 weeks, 9 weeks, and 3 months after injury. Throughout the 3-month study, participants provide information on their function, pain levels, and fear of moving the injured limb. Clinical tests such as finger motion, grip and pinch strength, and fine motor coordination are measured. Questionnaires like the Michigan Hand Evaluation, Visual Analog Pain Scale, and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11 are completed by participants using tablets or email links. Researchers monitor for complications and note if participants receive hand therapy, with all data securely stored and compared to evaluate recovery progress.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Impact of Early ADL Participation on Outcomes Post DRF
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- English speaking
- Distal radius fractures treated with a cast
- Age over 18 years
- Less than 3 weeks since distal radius fracture occurred
You will not qualify if you...
- Pre-existing neurological conditions affecting the upper limb
- Cognitive deficits limiting ability to report outcomes
- Psychological deficits limiting ability to report outcomes
- Multiple injuries to the affected upper limb
- Multiple injuries to both upper limbs
- Need for surgery to fixate the distal radius fracture
- Prior distal radius fracture involving the same wrist
- Receiving hand therapy for another injury at enrollment into study
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - Up to 3 weeks post injury
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 screening and enrollment visit (in-person)
Duration - From enrollment through 3 months post injury
Participants receive either an instructional video and handout on early Activities of Daily Living (ADL) participation plus cast care (experimental group) or cast care instruction only (control group).
4 visits at approximately 0-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 9 weeks, and 3 months post injury (in-person)
Duration - Up to 3 months post injury
Participants are monitored for complications such as median nerve compression, tendonitis, or complex regional pain syndrome, and referrals for hand therapy are noted.
Follow-up assessments occur at 6 weeks, 9 weeks, and 3 months post injury (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Medical Facilities Associates
Washington, Virginia, United States, 22204
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Sarah Doerrer, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
2
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