OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of computer-assisted wrist/hand intervention on the improvement of hand function for patients with traumatic hand injuries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of fifty-six participants with traumatic hand injuries involving bone or/and flexor tendon were randomly assigned to a computer-assisted therapy group (experimental group) and control group. Physical modalities and range of motion exercises were applied for all patients. In addition, patients in experimental group received computer-assisted wrist/hand strengthening training, while patients in control group received conventional strengthening exercises. Before and after 4-week intervention, all subjects were assessed by total active motion (TAM), grip and pinch strength, nine-hole pegboard test and upper extremity functional index (UEFI). RESULTS: Fifty-one patients were enrolled in this study. No significant difference was found in demographics and other baseline outcome measures between groups. After 4-week training, significant improvements were found in all these measures in both groups. Moreover, patients in computer-assisted therapy group performed better in grip strength, lateral pinch strength, nine-hole pegboard test and UEFI scores, when compared to patients in conventional therapy group. During training, no severe complications were found in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: Computer-assisted wrist/hand intervention exhibited better results in improving hand strength and dexterity for hand injuries. It might be an alternative treatment for hand injuries in both clinical and home-based rehabilitation practice.

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