1. Effects of Mobilization and Tactile Stimulation on Recovery of the Hemiplegic Upper Limb: A Series of Replicated Single-System Studies.
- Author
-
Hunter, Susan M., Crome, Peter, Sim, Julius, and Pomeroy, Valerie M.
- Abstract
Abstract: Hunter SM, Crome P, Sim J, Pomeroy VM. Effects of mobilization and tactile stimulation on recovery of the hemiplegic upper limb: a series of replicated single-system studies. Objective: To explore the effects on motor function and impairment of mobilization and tactile stimulation for the paretic arm and hand after stroke. Design: Replicated single-system series, ABA design. Setting: The stroke rehabilitation ward of a community hospital in the United Kingdom. Participants: Consecutive sample, men and women (N=6) with stroke (left or right), within 3 months of onset. Intervention: Sixty minutes of daily mobilization and tactile stimulation to the paretic arm and hand for 6 weeks in addition to the usual rehabilitation program. Main Outcome Measures: Focal disability (Action Research Arm Test [ARAT]) and motor impairment (Motricity Index arm section). Results: All participants showed visual change in 1 or more of trend, level, or slope between baseline and intervention phases for both the ARAT and the Motricity Index. The visual analysis was confirmed through statistical testing (c statistic and/or Mann-Whitney U test) for 5 of 6 participants (statistical analysis was precluded for 1 participant). No further improvements were made on intervention withdrawal. Conclusions: This study shows proof of concept for using mobilization and tactile stimulation to improve motor recovery after severe paresis, justifying conducting dose-finding studies as a precursor to multicenter phase III clinical trials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF