Gamification in rehabilitation of metacarpal fracture using cost-effective end-user device: A randomized controlled trial.

Study Design: This is a two-group randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Finger stiffness after treatment for metacarpal fractures often occurs due to poor compliance to the conventional rehabilitation programs. Gamification has shown success in improving adherence to and effectiveness of various therapies.

Purpose Of The Study: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether gamification, using cost-effective devices was comparable with conventional physiotherapy in improving hand functions and adherence to rehabilitation in metacarpal fractures.

Methods: A 2-group randomized controlled trial involving 19 patients was conducted. Participants were randomized to a control (conventional physiotherapy, n = 10) or interventional group (gamification, n = 9). The grips strength and composite finger range of motion were measured at the baseline and each follow-up together with Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation scores and compliance.

Results: There were no significant differences on improvements of grip strength (means difference 24.38 vs 20.44, P = .289) and composite finger range of motion (means difference 50.50 vs 51.11, P = .886). However, the gamification group showed better results in Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation (mean 0.44 vs 8.45, P = .038) and compliance (P < .05). No adverse events were reported.

Discussion: Our results suggest that gamification using a cost-effective device demonstrated similar effectiveness as conventional physiotherapy in post-metacarpal fracture rehabilitation.

Conclusions: Gamification using a mobile device is an inexpensive and safe alternative to conventional physiotherapy for hand rehabilitation after metacarpal fractures. It effectively serves as a guide for future development of cost-effective technology-enhanced therapy.