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

Tung Wah College

Status: Completed

Conditions: Stroke

Treatments: Other: Multisensory therapy; Other: Conventional training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03094377

U1111-1193-6547

Details and patient eligibility

About

Despite the advances in stroke rehabilitation, post-stroke upper extremity impairment is still a major challenge. Increasing evidence can be found supporting stimulation of the afferent receptor enhances neuroplasticity in the brain. Studies have suggested multisensory stimulation could promote motor learning by re-establishing the disrupted sensorimotor loop due to stroke and enhance neuroplasticity.

The objective of the study was to examine the effect of multisensory stimulation on upper-extremity motor recovery and self-care function in stroke patients.

Full description

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

Enrollment: 12 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 50+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Non-Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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12 participants in 2 patient groups

Multisensory therapy group

Experimental group

Description:

The Multisensory therapy (MT) group received a 12-weeks (two sessions/ week; 90 minutes/session) training conducted by an occupational therapist. Each session began with 15 minutes of sensory stimulation (cold and vibration), 45 minutes of motor training and 30 minutes of self-care training.

Treatment:

Other: Multisensory therapy

Conventional training group

Active Comparator group

Description:

The conventional training (CT) group included 12 weeks (two sessions/ week; 90 minutes/session) training conducted by an occupational therapist. Each session included 60 minutes of upper extremity motor practice (same as in MT group) and 30 minutes of self-care training (same as in MT group).

Treatment:

Other: Conventional training