Description of all hand therapy research published between 2006-2015

What is it about?

All research evidence related to interventions in hand therapy clinical practice for the forearm, hand and wrist published 2006-2015 was located. Descriptive statistics were calculated regarding the diagnoses, interventions, and outcome measures evaluated and used in the available evidence, and these data were compared to the full scope of practice for hand therapists. Osteoarthritis, tendon surgeries, and carpal tunnel syndrome were most frequently studied. Exercise, education, and orthotic interventions were most common, each used in more than 100 studies; only 12 studies used activity-based interventions. Primary outcome measures included range of motion, pain/symptoms, strength, and functional status.

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Why is it important?

This review provides a comprehensive overview of all available evidence to guide hand therapy practice. Most importantly, it identifies diagnoses, interventions, and outcome measures used by hand therapists for which limited evidence exists. This information can assist in guiding future research agendas and supporting the need for advancing research related to hand therapy practice