COMPARISON OF TWO METHODS OF RESTORING SOMATOSENSORY AND MOTOR FUNCTION OF THE PARETIC UPPER LIMB AFTER STROKE

Disturbances of the somatosensory and motor function are common after stroke.
The intention of this study was to investigate the effect of rehabilitation combining standard therapy and
somatosensory stimulation on sensorimotor upper extremity functions, and the effect of this manner was
compared with the standard rehabilitation plan.
Materials & Methods: The subjects were selected from both sexes and among patients after an ischemic
stroke in post-acute phase, with hemiparesis in Zahedan, 2016. They were randomly divided into two
groups of standard therapy (group I = 17, age = 58.9 ± 8.5 years) and the effect of therapy with targeted
somatosensory stimulation (group II = 17, age = 64.6 ± 7.8 years). Their evaluation was carried out with
the neurological examination, two-step tests of somatosensory function, two-step tests of motor
function, and assessment of daily life activities.
Results: Findings indicated that before therapy, a deficit of somatosensory function occurred on the
paretic upper limb in more than 50% of patients in both groups and there was no significant difference
in baseline values (P>0.05). Somatosensory stimulation therapy had an enhanced improvement of
somatosensory functions, especially tactile discrimination of the object surface (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: The current study outcomes showed that major improvement, particularly in tactile
discrimination sense, occurred in group II, where therapy focused on the somatosensory deficit was
implemented. This finding was not related to the motor function of the second group. Improvement in
motor function was significant in the standard rehabilitation group. By using these findings, our
knowledge is improved and will prevent further disabilities in the future