WISE: Wrist Injury Strengthening Exercise V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Wrist Injury Strengthening Exercise: a randomised multicentre feasibility study of resistance exercise versus usual care for optimising function after distal radius fracture in adults aged 50 years or over
IRAS ID
282917
Contact name
David Keene
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford / Clinical Trials and Research Governance
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN12290145
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
Wrist fractures are a common injury, representing about 1 in 5 of all broken bones seen in UK hospitals. One in ten women up to 90 years will have a wrist fracture, with most occurring after a simple fall. Initial treatment for this fracture is either with an operation or with a splint or cast.
After a wrist fracture, patients may experience long-term muscle weakness of the hand and arm, having an impact on their quality of life and wellbeing. There are long lasting impacts on daily activities such as personal hygiene, domestic chores, and preparing meals.
Currently the care program offered to patients after the initial treatment varies, however the majority of patients will be given some basic exercise instruction. This study will investigate whether adding a programme of ‘resistance exercises’ to strengthen the muscles of the hand and arm will help the patient’s recovery. These specific exercises are thought to improve wrist function and help with future activities.
Participants will be allocated at random to one of three study groups:
1. Usual care consisting of advice and an advice leaflet
2. Independent resistance exercise: usual care plus a single session with a physio- or occupational therapist to introduce the resistance exercise programme. Provision of a high-quality written and illustrated guide and website to support participants with carrying out the exercises independently.
3. Supervised resistance exercise: usual care, plus the guide and website, but these participants would have up to three sessions with a therapist. The additional two sessions with the therapist will offer opportunities to discuss any problems with the exercise programme.Patient interviews and therapist focus groups will also be carried out to discuss their experiences of treatment and therapists experience of delivering exercise advice.
This is a feasibility study, and if successful will guide the development of a larger trial.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/SC/0433
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jan 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion