The New Smartphone Application for Wrist Rehabilitation

Background: The rehabilitation after wrist surgery is extremely important. An instructed therapy in hospital is widely practiced. However, a dependent aging society and rush life style in younger generation have precluded patients to access to the frequent formal therapy. With the advancement in telecommunication technology, we have invented an application for smartphone for home-based wrist motion rehabilitation. Methods: Twenty participants were included in four-week wrist motion rehabilitation programme after wrist surgery. Participants were instructed to use the application by physical therapist and informed details of home-based wrist rehabilitation. The feasibility of application was evaluated by satisfaction level in various aspects and the adherence to the therapy was monitored by function provided in the application. The degrees of motion were compared at the end of prescribed programme. Results: Patient satisfaction was consistently high in every aspects. Also, the adherence to the therapy was high (90.42%). Ranges of motion significantly gained in every plane of wrist motion (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This novel smartphone application seems to be a promising and convenient alternative for patients who need to gain wrist motion without formal rehabilitation in the hospital. Adherence to the therapy is also easily traced with this application.