The Influence of Giving Sensomotoric Stimulation to Improve Functional Ability in Patients with Stroke

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sensory stimulation can help individuals regain sensitivity by paying attention to sensory input and its relationship to the activity to be carried out. Sensory stimulation combined with functional exercise is the main determinant of functional improvement in stroke. The study of the intensity and duration of therapy has not been widely carried out. AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of sensorimotor stimulation given intensively to improve functional abilities in patients with stroke and to ensure that there was no deterioration in their medical condition as a result of initial therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research method uses a pre-experimental design with a one-group pre-posttest involving 30 patients meeting predefined inclusion criteria in a one-group pre- and post-test design. The program consists of 16 sessions of sensomotoric stimulation and functional activity training in the physiotherapy gymnasium and daily sessions of ADL at home over 6 weeks. The efficacy of the program was evaluated by a stroke rehabilitation assessment of movement and a functional independence measure. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed in both motor skill (p = 0.00) and functional ability (p = 0.00) obtained on the 6th week of assessment. In a comparison of the benefits of therapy in two gender groups (p = 0.96 and 0.20), age groups (p = 0.55 and 0.86), and stroke severity (p = 0.50 and 0.64). The result showed there is no significant difference in the benefits of therapy applied to all of these groups. CONCLUSION: Sensomotoric stimulation given from the 1st day of stroke and continued intensively has been found to have a better impact on motor skills and functional ability.