Effect of Multisensory Stimulation on Upper Extremity Motor Recovery in Stroke Patient: a Preliminary Testing

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

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