Improved function of hemiplegic upper extremity after cognitive sensory motor training therapy in chronic stroke patients: preliminary report of a case series.

BACKGROUND

Recovery of upper extremity functions after a severe stroke and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) have generally been less than satisfactory. The "cognitive sensory motor training therapy" is a relatively new method claimed to improve motor control using a specific type of repetitive sensory and motor re-learning protocol. There has been no previous study demonstrating the effectiveness of this method.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value of the cognitive sensory motor training therapy to improve upper extremity motor function in chronic stroke and TBI patients.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: Seven patients with persistent impaired upper extremity functions for over 6 months after a stroke or TBI were trained with the cognitive sensory motor training therapy program. Hand and arm functions were measured with Action Research Arm (ARA) test before the beginning of the study and once a month thereafter. Data were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

There was improvement of ARA scores in all of the trained patients. On average there was an increase of the ARA score of 7.7 points during the average training time of 2.5 months.

CONCLUSION

The cognitive sensory motor training therapy may be an effective method for motor rehabilitation of chronic stroke or traumatic brain injured patients. Further prospective randomized control trials are justified and required.