Study overview
Hand and wrist pain can affect work, daily activities, grip, dexterity, and independence. These conditions are also challenging to manage remotely because therapeutic movement can be small, precise, and difficult to assess without feedback.
This study evaluated Sword’s fully remote digital care program for people with hand and wrist pain. The program used therapeutic exercise, education, remote clinical monitoring, and camera-based feedback to support movement quality during care.
Key findings
Pain and disability improved
The Sword summary reports that pain and disability improved by more than 50%, suggesting meaningful recovery in symptoms and function for participants with hand and wrist pain.
The study supported camera-based feedback for upper-extremity care
This study was the first to show the feasibility of the camera-based feedback used in Sword’s hand and wrist program. That matters because hand and wrist rehabilitation requires careful guidance of smaller, more precise movements.
Engagement supported a fully remote model
The findings support the feasibility of delivering hand and wrist rehabilitation remotely when members receive guided exercises, feedback, and clinical oversight.
Broader outcomes supported clinical impact
In addition to pain and disability, the study evaluated outcomes relevant to whole-person recovery, including medication use, surgery intent, mental health, and productivity.
Why this study matters
This study helps extend Sword’s digital rehabilitation evidence into one of the more technically challenging areas of MSK care. Hand and wrist conditions require precision, and a generic exercise program is unlikely to be enough.
The study should be understood as a single-arm prospective cohort study. Its value is in showing that a fully remote model with camera-based feedback can support recovery for hand and wrist pain while maintaining clinical relevance.
About the author
Fabiola Costa
Senior Director of Clinical Research, Sword Health
