Despite the advances in stroke rehabilitation, post-stroke upper extremity impairment is still a major challenge. Increasing evidence can be found supporting stimulation of the afferent receptor enhances neuroplasticity in the brain. Studies have suggested multisensory stimulation could promote motor learning by re-establishing the disrupted sensorimotor loop due to stroke and enhance neuroplasticity. The objective of the study was to examine the effect of multisensory stimulation on upper-extremity motor recovery and self-care function in stroke patients.
Stroke patients referred to occupational therapy division of geriatric day hospital will be recruited and randomly assigned to a multisensory therapy group or a conventional training group. The Multisensory therapy group received 12 weeks (two sessions/ week; 90 minutes/session) training. Each session began with 15 minutes of sensory stimulation (cold and vibration), 45 minutes of motor training and 30 minutes of self-care training. The conventional training group included 12 weeks (two sessions/ week; 90 minutes/session) training. Each session included 60 minutes of upper extremity motor practice and 30 minutes of self-care training. Outcome measures included: Brunnstrom's stage, Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale and Functional Test for the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity were used for upper limb motor control and function; and Manual muscle testing was used for muscle strength. The modified Barthel Index was used for self-care performance
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
12
Sensory stimulation, motor training and ADL training
Motor training and ADL training
Wong Tai Sin Hospital
Wong Tai Sin, Hong Kong
Change from baseline Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery at 3 months
The Fugl-Meyer Assessment was used to assess the progress in synergistic and voluntary movement at baseline and post intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and post intervention at week 12
Change from baseline Functional Test for the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity at 3 months
The Functional Test for the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity was used to evaluate the recovery of the hemiplegic upper extremity functions at baseline and post intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and post intervention at week 12
Change from baseline Modified Barthel Index at 3 months
The Modified Barthel Index was used to measure functional performance in basic activities of daily living at baseline and post intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and post intervention at week 12
Change from baseline Manual Muscle testing at 3 months
Manual muscle testing (MMT) was used for the evaluation of the motor recovery and strength of upper extremity muscle groups at baseline and post intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and post intervention at week 12
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.