Virtual Reality-based Rehabilitation for Traumatic Hand and Wrist Injuries

Use of Virtual Reality to Improve Sensorimotor Function in Patients With Traumatic Wrist and Hand Injuries

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (VR)-based Action Observation Therapy (AOT) as an adjunct to conventional rehabilitation in patients with traumatic wrist and hand injuries. Participants will receive standard rehabilitation treatment, and the intervention group will additionally undergo a six-week VR program involving observation and execution of functional hand and wrist movements. Outcomes related to hand function, grip strength, pain, proprioception, disability, and psychological factors will be assessed to determine the potential benefits of incorporating VR into rehabilitation programs.

Traumatic injuries of the wrist and hand are among the most common musculoskeletal conditions and can result in substantial impairments in function, strength, dexterity, and quality of life. Conventional rehabilitation is effective but often relies on repetitive exercises that may reduce patient motivation and adherence over time.

Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising rehabilitation tool by providing immersive, interactive, and task-oriented environments that enhance patient engagement and facilitate motor learning. In addition, Action Observation Therapy (AOT) is based on the activation of the mirror neuron system, whereby observing goal-directed movements may facilitate motor planning, cortical reorganization, and functional recovery.

The present randomized controlled trial will investigate the effectiveness of immersive VR-based AOT as a complementary intervention to conventional rehabilitation in patients with traumatic wrist and hand injuries. Participants receiving treatment at a specialized hand therapy unit will be randomly assigned to rehabilitation programs that include immersive VR sessions in addition to standard care.

The VR intervention will be delivered using Meta Quest Pro head-mounted displays and will consist of observation and subsequent execution of functional wrist and hand movements, including grasping, releasing, fine motor tasks, flexion-extension, and deviation movements. The intervention will be conducted twice weekly for six weeks, with approximately 45-minute sessions.

Outcome measures will include grip strength, pain, wrist function, upper-limb disability, proprioception, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, and patient-reported hand function. Assessments will be performed using validated clinical instruments, including the Jamar dynamometer, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Joint Position Sense (JPS), and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ).

The study aims to determine whether the addition of immersive VR-based AOT to conventional rehabilitation improves sensorimotor recovery, functional outcomes, and patient engagement following traumatic wrist and hand injuries.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 18 years or older.
• Diagnosis of a traumatic wrist and/or hand injury.
• Referred for rehabilitation treatment at the participating hand therapy unit.
• Ability to understand study procedures and provide written informed consent.
• Ability to participate in the virtual reality intervention.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous injury affecting the same hand.
• Associated upper-limb conditions, including tenosynovitis or Dupuytren's disease.
• Previous surgery involving the affected hand before the current traumatic injury.
• Corticosteroid or other therapeutic injection in the affected hand within the previous 3 weeks.
• Any physical, neurological, visual, vestibular, or medical condition that prevents safe use of the virtual reality device.
• Inability to comply with the study procedures or assessments.