Effect of sensory training of the posterior thigh on trunk control and upper extremity functions in stroke patients

Abstract

Some studies show that sensorial rehabilitation is effective on functionality. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of sensory training of the posterior thigh on the functionality of upper extremity and trunk control in stroke patients. Thirteen subjects (53.23 ± 6.82 years) were included in the intervention group and 13 subjects (58.69 ± 5.94 years) in the control group. The control and intervention groups were treated for ten sessions. The control group was treated only with neurodevelopmental treatment, and the intervention group was treated with sensorial training on the posterior thigh in addition to the neurodevelopmental treatment. Subjects were evaluated three times, pre- and post-treatment and 10 days after finishing the treatment. Trunk control was assessed by the Trunk Impairment Scale, reaching function by the Functional Reach Test, balance by the Berg Balance Test, upper extremity symptom and disability severity by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, Hand and Minnesota, independence level in daily living activities by the Barthel Index, and sensory function of the posterior thigh by sensorial tests. In the post-treatment assessment, it was found that the intervention group was better than the control group in the parameter of functional reach while sitting (p < 0.005). In the third assessment, reaching while sitting and independence level were better in the intervention group than the control group (p < 0.005). There was no difference in sensorial assessment between the groups. Sensory training of the posterior thigh should be included in the rehabilitation programme of stroke patients.

Game-Based Virtual Reality Canoe Paddling Training to Improve Postural Balance and Upper Extremity Function: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Study of 30 Patients with Subacute Stroke

“…The maintenance of the core or upper body control, is essential for maintaining posture and stability while changing positions, performing activities of daily living (ADL), and ambulating [ 1 , 2 ]. Patients who are undergoing physical rehabilitation following stroke, tend to deviate towards the affected side, as a result of postural instability, which induces both asymmetrical trunk movement and trunk muscle weakness.…”

Sensory retraining of the leg after stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Three studies used a similar retraining approach, which included a combination of education, detection, localization, discrimination, recognition, and proprioception of the hemiparetic leg. 22,23,41 There was a range of proprioceptive training strategies, including treadmill training with visual deprivation, 43 compelled body weight shift, 38,46 and aquatic gait training. 47 Other interventions included vibration stimulation 41,48 and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).…”

“…22,23,41 There was a range of proprioceptive training strategies, including treadmill training with visual deprivation, 43 compelled body weight shift, 38,46 and aquatic gait training. 47 Other interventions included vibration stimulation 41,48 and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). 41,45,49 Intervention dosages ranged from a single dose lasting up to approximately two hours 49 to 30 minutes daily for six months.…”

Trunk flexor and extensor muscle performance in chronic stroke patients: a case–control study

“…Another limitation of the current study was that the subjects' sensory function was not assessed. Since sensory impairment is common in chronic stroke patients which could alter the quality of movement, 39 it should be considered in future studies related to trunk muscle performance. In addition, as stated in the methods section, only the data from the isokinetic set that showed a CV of the peak torque ≤25% was included for analysis.…”