The Effect of Sensory Therapy on Upper Extremity Functions in Patients with Chronic Stroke A Randomized Controlled Trial

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intensive sensory therapy on upper extremity functions, daily activity and life quality of stroke survivors. MethodsThis randomized controlled trial included 30 participants aged between 18 and 80 years, who were divided into a sensory-training group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). Both groups received 15 sessions of 30 minutes of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and 20 minutes of activity daily living training for three weeks. The ST group also received intensified sensory therapy during each session. Thumb localization, finger shift, and stereognosis tests were performed in both groups only before the start of intervention. The Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Modified Frenchay Scale, and Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) were administered before and after intervention. ResultsStatistically significant differences were observed between the ST group and the control group across all tests, except for the Language, Thinking, and Vision parameters of the SS-QOL. ConclusionThese results suggest that sensory therapies applied with conventional interventions increased upper extremity functions, activity daily living performance, participation and quality of life of the stroke survivors. RegistrationURL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCTxxxxxx Unique identifier: NCTxxxxx.