Abstract
Hand Therapy is a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the field of hand and upper limb rehabilitation. This review examines the journal’s history, scope, impact, and its significant contributions to the field of hand therapy. We analyze its publication trends, notable articles, and its role in shaping modern hand therapy practice. Our findings highlight the journal’s crucial role in disseminating evidence-based research and its impact on patient care in hand rehabilitation.
Introduction
Hand Therapy, the official journal of the British Association of Hand Therapists (BAHT), has established itself as a key publication in the field of hand and upper limb rehabilitation. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the journal’s history, its current status, and its impact on the scientific and clinical community.
Historical Background
Hand Therapy was first published in 1996, coinciding with the growing recognition of hand therapy as a specialized field within occupational and physical therapy. The journal’s establishment reflected the need for a dedicated platform to share research and clinical insights specific to upper limb rehabilitation.
Scope and Focus
The journal publishes original research articles, systematic reviews, case reports, and clinical commentaries covering all aspects of hand and upper limb therapy. Its scope includes:
- Treatment techniques for hand and upper limb conditions
- Orthotic design and fabrication
- Assessment methods
- Outcome measures
- Biomechanics of the upper limb
- Ergonomics and work-related upper limb disorders
- Rehabilitation following trauma, surgery, or neurological conditions
The journal maintains a balance between research and clinical practice, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based interventions.
Impact and Metrics
While Hand Therapy is not currently indexed in the Journal Citation Reports, it is included in the Scopus database. The journal’s articles are frequently cited in the field of hand rehabilitation, reflecting its influence on clinical practice and research.
Publication Process
Hand Therapy follows a rigorous peer-review process. Manuscripts are initially screened by the editorial team and then sent to expert reviewers. The journal strives for a rapid review process, with accepted articles typically published online ahead of print.
Notable Contributions
Over its history, Hand Therapy has published numerous influential papers. Some notable examples include:
- Studies on the effectiveness of different splinting techniques for various hand conditions
- Research on outcome measures specific to hand function and disability
- Investigations into novel treatment approaches for complex regional pain syndrome
- Papers exploring the role of technology in hand rehabilitation, including telerehabilitation
Special Features
The journal offers several special features, including:
- Themed issues focusing on specific areas of hand therapy
- Clinical pearls and practice tips
- Patient education materials
Adaptation to the Digital Age
In recent years, Hand Therapy has embraced digital publishing technologies, offering:
- Online-first publication of accepted articles
- Multimedia supplements, including video demonstrations of techniques
- Open access options for authors
- Integration with social media platforms for broader dissemination of research
International Reach
While originally a UK-based journal, Hand Therapy has evolved to have an international scope. It receives submissions from authors worldwide and has an international readership, reflecting the global nature of hand therapy practice and research.
Future Directions
As the field of hand therapy continues to advance, Hand Therapy is focusing on emerging areas such as:
- The application of virtual reality in hand rehabilitation
- 3D printing for custom orthotic fabrication
- Neuroscience-based approaches to upper limb rehabilitation
- The impact of psychosocial factors on hand therapy outcomes
Conclusion
Hand Therapy has played a crucial role in advancing the field of hand and upper limb rehabilitation over the past two and a half decades. Its continued relevance and impact are testament to its ability to adapt to the changing landscape of rehabilitation while maintaining high scientific and clinical standards. As the field continues to evolve, the journal is well-positioned to remain a key platform for sharing innovative research and clinical advances in hand therapy.
References
- Hand Therapy. About the Journal. SAGE Publishing. https://journals.sagepub.com/home/hth (accessed 15 August 2023).
