EFFECTS OF SENSORY RELEARNING OF THE UPPER (SENSUPP) LIMB AFTER STROKE: A PILOT RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL (ID 1840)
Abstract
Background And Aims
More than 50% of stroke survivors have sensory impairments of their affected upper limb (UL), which could negatively affect motor recovery, and the ability to use the hand in everyday life. As interventions to improve sensorimotor function of UL after stroke are scares, a novel sensory relearning protocol was developed. Here, we evaluated if sensory relearning + task-specific training is more beneficial than task-specific training alone to improve functioning of UL in persons with mild to moderate stroke.
Methods
Twenty-seven participants (20 men, mean age 59 years, on average 27 months post-stroke) were randomized to either sensory relearning (exercises for touch discrimination, proprioception and tactile object recognition) + task-specific training (exercises in meaningful activities (n=15) or to task-specific training only (n=12). The training was performed twice a week, in 2.5-hour sessions for 5 weeks. Assessments on sensorimotor function of UL, and the ability to use the hand in daily activities were conducted pre- and post-intervention and at 3 month follow-up by independent assessors.
Results
There were no significant between-group differences for any of the outcomes. However, the sensory relearning group showed significant improvements (p<0.05) on UL sensory function and the ability to use the hand in daily life post-intervention.
Conclusions
This pilot study could not demonstrate that sensory relearning + task-specific training is more beneficial than task-specific training alone to improve functioning of UL after stroke. The findings indicate however, that sensory relearning may be a promising intervention, and that a larger randomized controlled trial is needed.
Trial Registration Number
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03336749. Registered on 8 November 2017.
