[A smart way back to work-The impact of digital rehabilitation on return-to-work outcomes after hand injuries].

BACKGROUND

Restoring the ability to work after hand injuries is a central goal of rehabilitation. Digital therapy applications are increasingly finding their way into everyday clinical practice. However, data on the influence of such technologies on parameters relevant to everyday life, such as the duration of incapacity to work, is still lacking. In particular, it is unclear whether app-supported hand therapy can accelerate the return to work.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a hand therapy app in addition to standard care on the duration of incapacity to work compared to standard care alone.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

In a prospective, controlled study, 105 patients with surgically treated hand injuries were included. The control group received standardized follow-up treatment with hand therapy; the intervention group additionally completed an app-based training program over 90 days with an individualized, AI-supported exercise plan, gamification elements and visual progress monitoring. The primary endpoint was the number of sick days until return to work.

RESULTS

Patients in the intervention group had significantly fewer sick days than patients in the control group. With regard to the indication, patients with metacarpal fractures returned to work significantly earlier in the intervention group than in the control group. In addition, there was a significant effect of the hand therapy app on the duration of incapacity to work in patients with impairment of the non-dominant hand and in patients who do not carry out manual occupations.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that app-supported hand rehabilitation can shorten the duration of incapacity for work. For metacarpal fractures in particular, the digital therapy approach offers a promising addition to standard care. Further studies with larger case numbers are required to verify the effects for other indications.