Effect of a Sensorimotor Exercise Regime for Upper Limb Deficits in the In-Hospital Phase After a Supratentorial Stroke (SMULS)—Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background Somatosensory impairments in the upper limb are a common occurrence in >50% of post-stroke individuals. The effects of a combined sensorimotor therapy program on improving functional outcomes have not been studied extensively especially in the acute and subacute phase post-stroke. Methods Through a randomized controlled trial of PROBE design, participants, selected on a pre-set selection criteria will either receive the a structured regime of sensorimotor therapy in addition to routine care or only routine care for over 14 days or until discharge. Outcomes will be analyzed on the “Action Research Arm test” and “Erasmus modified Nottingham Sensory Assessment” scale at discharge and then at the third and sixth months. Results and Conclusion The proposed study will allow development and implementation of sensory rehabilitation components to the existing stroke rehabilitation protocols. Initiating intervention within the acute and subacute phase post-stroke in suitable patients will allow early intervention for sensorimotor impairments subsequently leading to improved upper limb outcomes.