Objective: Describe the somatosensory function of the affected upper limb of hemiparetic stroke patients and investigate the correlations between measurements of motor and sensory functions in tasks with and without visual deprivation. Method: We applied the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Nottingham Sensory Assessment (NSA), and several motor and sensory tests: Paper manipulation (PM), Motor Sequences (MS), Reaching and grasping (RG) Tests Functional (TF), Tactile Discrimination (TD), Weight Discrimination (WD) and Tactile Recognition of Objects (RO). Results: We found moderate correlations between the FMA motor subscale and the tactile sensation score of the NSA. Additionally, the FMA sensitivity was correlated with the NSA total; and performance on the WD test items correlated with the NSA. Conclusion: There was a correlation between the sensory and motor functions of the upper limb in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients. Additionally, there was a greater reliance on visual information to compensate for lost sensory-motor skills.

Objective To investigate somatosensory deficits in the ipsilesional wrist and hand in chronic stroke patients and correlate these deficits with contralesional sensorimotor dysfunctions, functional testing, laterality and handedness.Methods Fifty subjects (twenty-two healthy volunteers and twenty-eight stroke patients) underwent evaluation with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, the sensory and motor Fugl-Meyer Assessment, the Nottingham Sensory Assessment in both wrists and hands and functional tests.Results Twenty-five patients had sensory changes in the wrist and hand contralateral to the stroke, and eighteen patients (64%) had sensory deficits in the ipsilesional wrist and hand. The most significant ipsilesional sensory loss was observed in the left-handed patients. We found that the patients with brain damage in the right hemisphere had better scores for ipsilesional tactile sensation.Conclusions A reduction in ipsilesional conscious proprioception, tactile or thermal sensation was found in stroke subjects. Right hemisphere damage and right-handed subjects had better scores in ipsilesional tactile sensation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on static and dynamic balance after the use of textured insoles. Method: Fifteen subjects with multiple sclerosis were evaluated before using the insoles, after using them for 1 month, and after 2 months without using, them using the following measuring instruments: the Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, and 10-meter Walk Test, a means of functional gait assessment. Results: Improvement was observed in the Berg Balance Scale and Dynamic Gait Index scores, walking time, number of steps and step length after using the insoles for 1 month. The improvement in Berg Balance Scale score remained after two months without the insoles and there were no changes in gait speed. Conclusion: The use of textured insoles was effective as an intervention to improve static and dynamic balance in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Introdução: Lesões no giro cerebral pós-central podem causar o fenômeno de paresia aferente. Objetivo: Descrever o desempenho sensório-motor de uma paciente com paresia aferente pós-acidente vascular encefálico (AVE) crônico. Métodos: Paciente do sexo feminino, 39 anos, com diagnóstico de hemorragia subaracnoide aguda por rompimento de aneurisma em artéria cerebral média direita foi submetida a protocolo de desempenho físico de Fugl-Meyer, avaliação sensorial de Nottingham, teste dos sinos, testes de sequência motora e dez testes funcionais, sendo os dois últimos executados com e sem privação visual. Resultados: A paciente apresentou comprometimento motor leve, hipoestesia tátil e ausência de propriocepção em punho e mão, astereognosia e dificuldade na resolução de tarefas motoras durante a privação visual. Conclusão: A paciente com sequelas crônicas pós-AVE apresentou déficits sensoriais e lentidão ou incapacidade de realização das tarefas motoras manuais na ausência da orientação visual, caracterizando, assim, a paresia aferente.

Background: Several attempts to reduce spasticity have been directed to stroke sufferers based on the historical view that spasticity is the major determinant of motor dysfunction and that its reduction results in improved function of the affected limb. Paresis is also recognized as a limiting factor in hemiparetic rehabilitation and has a negative impact on self-care, mobility, or up and down stairs due to slow activation of motor units and difficulty in producing adequate amount of muscle strength. In the treatment of spasticity, many therapeutic procedures have been used. Resisted exercises occur when there is load on the body segment distal to the muscle that develops muscle tension, occurs muscle shortening and an external force is overcome. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the results of isometric and isotonic strengthen program in the quadriceps muscles of the affected limb of patients with chronic hemiparesis secondary to stroke and to evaluate its effects on spasticity, motor function of the lower limb, balance and mobility. Methods: The participants were divided into three groups: isotonic strengthening, isometric strengthening and control group. It was applied the Ashworth scale, Fugl-Meyer Protocol, Time Up and Go test and Berg Balance Scale. Results: The isometric and isotonic strengthening program presented post-treatment variations, whereby only the isometry group showed improvement in balance. The control group did not show a significant improvement. There was no increase in the muscular tonus of the quadriceps or hamstrings immediately after the treatment. Conclusion: The selective muscle strengthening of the quadriceps resulted in an increase of the motor function, balance and mobility followed by a decrease or maintenance of the muscular tonus of the patients.