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.

Keywords: Neurodevelopmental treatment; Sensorial assessment; Sensory training; Stroke; Upper extremity.