The effect of extroceptive and proprioceptive sensory stimulation on ADL and motor function of upper limb in stroke patients

Sensory defects are one of the common complications of stroke. Various studies have reported the prevalence of these deficits in stroke patients between 11 and 85%. These defects in the upper limb of the hemiplegic vary from the lack of primary senses to more complex perceptions, and they reduce the use of the affected limb. Weakness in fine motor manipulation of objects, weakness in the skills of grasping, decrease in the level of activity on the affected side and ultimately a decrease in the quality of life of the individual are seen. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of extroceptive and proprioceptive sensory stimulation on daily living activity and motor function of upper limb in stroke patients. This interventional study was a blind clinical trial that was performed on 60 patients with chronic stroke. Upper limb function (Fugle-Meyer test) and daily living activity (Barthel test) were evaluated. Patients received extroceptive and proprioceptive sensory stimulation for 6 weeks. Treatment was based on the Rood approach. The results of this study showed that the intervention group had significant improvement in motor function (p<0.0001) and daily living activity of upper limb (p<0.0001). Based on the results, it can be implied that extroceptive and proprioceptive sensory stimulation are effective methods in improvement of motor function and daily living activity of the stroke patient’s upper limb.