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Effects of an AI-Based Digital Hand Therapy App on Finger Mobility and Return to Work After Hand Injuries: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Simon Bauknecht, MD, Richard-Tobias Moeller, MD, Daniel Vergote, MD; Martin Mentzel, MD, PhD, Professor
University Clinic Ulm, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Introduction:Hand injuries are frequently associated with substantial functional limitations and prolonged absence from work. Despite structured rehabilitation protocols, recovery of hand function and occupational reintegration often progress more slowly than anticipated. Digital therapy applications offer promising potential to support this process; however, their specific benefits in functional and real-life rehabilitation have not been sufficiently studied. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an AI-based hand therapy app, in addition to standard care, on finger mobility and duration of work incapacity.
Material and Methods:In a prospective randomized controlled trial, 112 patients with metacarpal or finger fractures, as well as flexor or extensor tendon injuries, were enrolled. The intervention group (IG) participated in a 12-week app-based home exercise program in addition to standard postoperative care. The control group (CG) received standard care alone. Hand mobility (range of motion, ROM) was assessed at baseline and after 2, 6, and 12 weeks. In 97 employed patients, data on duration of work incapacity were also collected. Independent t-tests were used to compare outcomes between groups in the overall sample and within diagnostic subgroups.
Results:The intervention group showed a significantly faster and more pronounced improvement in ROM compared to the control group, particularly in patients with metacarpal and finger fractures. Significant between-group differences were already detectable after 2 and 6 weeks, with ROM gains being markedly higher in the IG. A significantly greater number of IG participants achieved a clinically relevant improvement (minimal clinically important difference, MCID) at these time points. Although improvements were also observed in patients with tendon injuries, they did not reach statistical significance. Regarding return to work, the IG had 23% fewer sick leave days overall. In the subgroup with metacarpal fractures, the return to work occurred 13 days earlier-a significant reduction of 44% compared to the CG.
Conclusions:This study provides the first evidence that an AI-supported hand therapy app significantly enhances functional recovery and accelerates return to work following hand injuries. The most pronounced effects were observed in patients with fractures, highlighting the app's transformative potential as an adjunct to established rehabilitation protocols. These findings emphasize the clinical relevance of digital rehabilitation strategies and support their broader integration into hand therapy programs.
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