Time use and pain in distal radius fractures: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Distal radius fractures, common in females and males aged ⩾65 and 40–50 years, respectively, cause prolonged pain and activity limitations. Although occupational therapy is a standard postoperative intervention, the relationship between time use, and pain intensity and self-efficacy during the acute recovery phase remains unclear. This study examined these associations shortly after distal radial fracture surgery. Methods: This multicentre, prospective, cross-sectional, observational study included 9 facilities. Patients, who underwent volar locking plate fixation and occupational therapy with a splint, were assessed within 1 week postoperatively. The measures included the Occupational Questionnaire, Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, and Numerical Rating Scale. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used because of nonnormal data distribution. Results: Twenty-seven participants (25 female; mean age 64.15 ± 9.03 years) were analyzed. Significant positive correlations were found between the time spent on work-related activities and pain self-efficacy on weekdays, and weekends. Contrastingly, we detected no significant correlations between pain-related measures and leisure activities or activities of daily living. Conclusion: Work-related activities were positively associated with pain self-efficacy during acute postoperative phase, consistent with findings from populations with chronic pain. As the work activity types were not specified, further research is warranted to clarify on which activities satisfy this relationship.