Stroke
Conditions
Keywords
Multisensory stimulation; motor recovery
Brief summary
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.
Detailed description
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
Interventions
OTHERMultisensory therapy
Sensory stimulation, motor training and ADL training
OTHERConventional training
Motor training and ADL training
Sponsors
Tung Wah College
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
This was a quasi-randomized-controlled pilot. Participants were randomly allocated by admission sequence to a multisensory therapy group or a conventional training group
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
50 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* First-time ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke; * Stroke onset \> 4 weeks and \< 6 months * Single lesion * Upper extremity motor deficit * No severe cognitive impairment and able to follow verbal instructions.
Exclusion criteria
* Skin conditions/ injuries over the stimulation application areas * Contraindication for cold or vibration application * Speech disorder or global aphasia * Musculoskeletal or cardiac disorders * Other neurological conditions * History of diabetes or sensory impairment attributable to peripheral vascular disease or neuropathy
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change from baseline Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery at 3 months | Baseline and post intervention at week 12 | The Fugl-Meyer Assessment was used to assess the progress in synergistic and voluntary movement at baseline and post intervention. |
| Change from baseline Functional Test for the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity at 3 months | Baseline and post intervention at week 12 | 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. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change from baseline Modified Barthel Index at 3 months | Baseline and post intervention at week 12 | The Modified Barthel Index was used to measure functional performance in basic activities of daily living at baseline and post intervention. |
| Change from baseline Manual Muscle testing at 3 months | Baseline and post intervention at week 12 | 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. |
Countries
Hong Kong
Outcome results
None listed