Upper extremity sensory training after stroke

Abstract

Introduction. Stroke is one of the leading causes for disability worldwide. After stroke, the majority of stroke survivors experience significant arm-hand impairments and a decreased use of the paretic arm and hand in daily life. Tactile sensibility of the hand is essential for identifying objects and for motor performance. Despite important sensory contributions to normal and abnormal movement, research has predominantly focused on motor aspects of stroke recovery. In this paper, we present the effect of sensory stimulation program on arm sensation and motor recovery in subacute stroke. Case outline. In a 65 years old woman the sensibility stimulation program was administered in subacute phase of post-stroke rehabilitation, six weeks after stroke, involving active and passive somatosensory intervention, motor control, coordination, strength and balance exercises. The rehabilitation protocol was applied for four weeks, five times a week. On discharge, the results of physiotherapy assessment showed full recovery of her right arm and hand. Conclusion. This case report shows that precise assessment, problems identification and problem oriented somatosensory interventions can improve, in a short time, functional motor performance of the arm involved in rehabilitation after stroke.