LAUSR

PURPOSE This study compared traditional rehabilitation as a treatment modality after plaster cast treatment for Colles' fracture with a combination of individualized blood flow restriction (BFR) and traditional rehabilitation. METHODS Twenty-eight participants were randomized into a BFR group and a non-BFR group following plaster cast treatment for Colles' fracture. The BFR group completed traditional rehabilitation with a medical grade tourniquet applied to the upper arm, and the non-BFR group underwent traditional rehabilitation only. Patients were followed up with radiographic outcomes (palmar tilt and radial inclination) to ensure the stability of the fracture. Clinical assessment of patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) score, grip strength, pinch strength, wrist range of motion (ROM), and muscle stiffness were conducted at cast removal and six weeks after cast removal. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA determined significant interactions between time and group in the variables above. An independent sample t-test assessed the differences in baseline variables and radiographic outcomes. RESULTS Significant interactions between time and group were noted for PRWE score (F = 11.796, P = 0.002, η2p = 0.339), grip strength (F = 5.445, P = 0.029, η2p = 0.191), and wrist ROM (ulnar deviation) (F = 7.856, P = 0.010, η2p = 0.255). No significant interactions between time and group were found in measurements of pinch strength or wrist ROM (flexion, extension, radial deviation, pronation, supination). An independent sample T test showed no significant difference in baseline variables and radiographic outcomes between the groups pre- or post-intervention. CONCLUSIONS This study found that combining individualized BFR with traditional rehabilitation resulted in greater increases in PRWE score, grip strength, and wrist ROM (ulnar deviation) than traditional rehabilitation alone. Therefore, adding individualized BFR to traditional rehabilitation might be a better option for treatment of similar patients.