Sensory Re-learning of the Upper Limb After Stroke (SENSUPP)

Lund University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Stroke

Treatments: Behavioral: Sensory group; Other: Control group

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03336749

Sensory

Details and patient eligibility

About

The overall aim of this study is to investigate if sensory re-learning in combination with task-specific training is more effective than task-specific training alone to improve sensory function of the hand, dexterity, the ability to use the hand in daily activities, perceived participation and life satisfaction.

Full description

More than half of stroke survivors suffer from sensory impairments of their affected upper limb (UL), which can lead to long term problems to use the UL in daily life, such as personal care, household- and leisure activities. Few studies have evaluated if sensory re-learning in combination with task-specific training can improve the ability to perform daily hand activities and perceived participation. Therefore, there is a need for more studies. This is a single-blinded pilot randomized controlled trial with two treatment arms. Thirty persons with sensory impairments of the UL after stroke will be recruited and randomized to either sensory re-learning in combination with task-specific training or to task-specific training only. The training will consist of 2.5 hours of group training per session, 2 times per week for 5 weeks. Assessments will be conducted pre- and post-training and at 3 months' after the intervention.

Descriptive statistics (mean (SD) or median (min- max) will be used to characterize the study groups. Non-parametric statistics will be used for ordinal data and parametric statistics for continues data. To analyze between group differences, the Mann-Whitney test or Independent sample t-test will be used and Wilcoxon signed ranks test or paired t-test to analyze within group differences. The level of statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05.

Enrollment: 27 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 80 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• sensory impairments (≤5 points in Shape-Texture Identification test) of upper limb after stroke
• ability to grasp and release an object
• be able to understand oral and written information
• 18-80 years of age
• at least 6 months since stroke onset
• be able to walk with or without an assistive device

Exclusion criteria

• sensory impairments of the UL due to other diagnosis than stroke

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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27 participants in 2 patient groups

Sensory group

Experimental group

Description:

Sensory re-learning in combination with task-specific training

Treatment:

Behavioral: Sensory group

Control group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Traditional task-specific training

Treatment:

Other: Control group