Effects of Promoting Stereognosis and Two-Point Discrimination on Upper Limb Function and Performance of Activities of Daily Living of Stroke Patients with Accompanying Unilateral Neglect and Sensorimotor Deficits

초록

Purpose This study investigated the correlation among the manual function test (MFT), Korean version of the modified Barthel index (K-MBI), two-point discrimination (TPD), and stereognosis (ST) through tactile feedback training of the hands and upper limbs. Methods Patients with motor impairment were recruited and divided into two groups as part of a longitudinal study of effects on hand function and activities of daily living during two-point discrimination and stereognosis recovery. Inclusion criteria were unilateral neglect, combined sensory deficits and motor weakness. Patients participated in 4 weeks of physical therapy and occupational therapy involving tactile feedback training for the upper limbs using sensory information. Results In the unilateral neglect group, functioning statistically improved for TPD, ST, MFT, and K-MBI. In the sensorimotor deficit group, functioning statistically improved for MFT, and K-MBI. TPD and MFT results significantly improved between the groups. The relationship between MFT, ST, and TPD was negative. Conclusion tactile feedback training for stroke patients with accompanying unilateral neglect or somatosensory impairment may be used clinically as an important way to promote upper limb function and performance of activities of daily living. In addition, stereognosis and two-point discrimination may be used as important sensory indices for functional task performance.

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