Effects of physical exercise on the motility of hands in patients operated because of Dupuytrens contracture in own material

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of physical exercise on limited locomotion in the hands of patients who underwent surgery to correct Dupuytren's contracture. We studied the hands of 84 patients with Dupuytren's contracture aged from 30 to 84 years. In all patients, the contracture was removed by performing a partial fasciectomy. Physical exercises were carried out a week prior to surgery and during the postoperative period. Patients were divided into group I, in which the exercise was carried out under the supervision of the authors of this study and group II, in which exercises were performed sporadically and without professional supervision. Measurements were performed on all patients one week before surgery (A), 1 week after surgery (B) and 6 weeks after (C). The range of movement of fingers was measured using a goniometer. The average total loss of finger extension was evaluated, taking due account of the extension loss in the MCP, PIP and DIP joints of all fingers of the treated hand. Rehabilitation treatment included active and passive exercises; in more severe cases the treatment of choice was massage and special equipment to help bear flexion contracture. Test results were statistically analyzed. In all patients, there was an increase in mobility of the fingers. Patients taking part in physical exercise had significantly greater range of finger movement.