Effectiveness Of Sensory Re-Training For Stroke Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Control Trial Study

Abstract

Introduction: The somatosensory system is the means in which we communicate and interact with our surroundings. It is required for many activities of daily living. The system has a negative effect on many areas, including leisure, sexual activities and safety. Sensory impairments significantly limit the ability to use the upper limb. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of sensory re-training that target sensory impairment after stroke. Methodology: A pilot randomized controlled design was applied. After screening and signing consent forms, participants was randomly allocated to either the sensory retraining group or control group by means of a random numbers table from the baseline screening assessment which was done to identify how many patient have sensory impairment and not. There are 50 participants have considered sufficient to include in the pilot RCT. Among 50 participants, 25 in experimental group and 25 in control group within a reasonable time frame. Results: In all regions of the upper body’s tactile sensation is significantly improved in experimental group after five weeks treatment. In Light touch, Temperature and Pinpric sensation the sig values are Face (.000<0.05), Trunk (.000<0.05), Shoulder (.000<0.05), Elbow (.000<0.05), Wrist (.000<0.05) and Hand (.000<0.05). In the experimental group sensory performance in pressure, tactile localization and bilateral simultaneous touch also significantly change that are Face (.000<0.05), Trunk (.000<0.05), Shoulder (.000<0.05), Elbow (.000<0.05), Wrist (.000<0.05) and Hand (.000<0.05). The upper limb function has improved significantly in experimental group and the value is .000<0.05. In participation of daily living the control group has less change (-1.445, .161>0.05) and (-1.445, .161>0.05) and the experimental group highly improved (-10.733 and .000<0.05) and (-12.2886 and .000<0.05). Conclusion: Sensory impairment is a common problem after stroke. Due to sensory loss the patient is unable to perform activities of daily living properly. Recovery of stroke depends on different factors among of them sensory impairment is one that is highly related to occupational performance. Key words: Stroke Survivors, Sensory Impairment, Sensory re-training and Functional Status or ADL’s.