The aim was to determine the minimal clinically important difference of the push-off test in distal radius fractures.

To interpret a treatment effect and a change that is meaningful for the patient, it is important to use the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of the push-off test (POT). The MCID represents the smallest numerical change that can be perceived as beneficial by the patient. A numerical change smaller than the MCID, even if statistically significant, does not represent a clinically meaningful change. Because the MCID defines a difference that is considered important for patients, it can also serve as a basis for estimating the required sample size in the design of future studies.

Another important metric is the minimal detectable change (MDC). The MDC represents the smallest amount of change that exceeds the measurement error of an instrument. Therefore, any change smaller than the MDC may be the result of measurement variability. To ensure that the MDC is sufficiently small to detect the MCID, the MCID should be greater than the MDC. The MDC of the POT has been investigated in patients with wrist or elbow pathologies; however, to date, the MCID has not been established in patients with distal radius fractures.

In summary, the POT is a test that objectively evaluates axial loading of the upper extremity in the presence of hand or wrist pathology. However, to ensure the reliability of preliminary findings and to support its integration into hand therapy practice, further studies are needed to evaluate its measurement properties using specific patient samples.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of distal radius fracture (DRF) and treatment with either conservative or surgical methods
• Voluntary participation
• Age between 18 and 65 years
• Having a cognitive level sufficient to understand the assessment methods and follow instructions

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of concomitant musculoskeletal or neurovascular injuries in the affected extremity
• Presence of a neurological, orthopedic, rheumatologic, or metabolic condition that could affect the affected extremity

Patients who were diagnosed with distal radius fractures, treated conservatively or surgically, and referred to the Hand Rehabilitation Unit from the Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Pamukkale University Health Research and Application Center will be included in the study.

Individual participant data (IPD) will be shared upon reasonable request after publication of the study results.