The mediating effect of psychological factors on the relationship between pain intensity and wrist joint function: a longitudinal study with mediation analysis.

The relationship between pain intensity and wrist function was mediated by anxiety and self-efficacy. Our findings suggest that interventions focused on psychological factors, particularly anxiety and self-efficacy, may be important in distal radius fractures rehabilitation.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONIn patients with distal radius fractures, early post-operative pain mediates psychological factors and affects wrist function.Anxiety and self-efficacy are psychological factors that should be noted, and rehabilitation, including self-management, should be considered.Rehabilitative interventions for distal radius fractures should focus on psychological factors and management of post-operative pain.