Effects of a New Sensory Re-Education Training Tool on Hand Sensibility, Manual Dexterity and Functional Activities of Daily Living in People with Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury (Pilot Study)

Abstract

The protocols of sensory re-education programs have not changed in recent decades even with the advancement in Neuroscience and cognitive science. Based on the current knowledge and developments in neuro physiology to enhance cortical mapping, this study describe and evaluate the effects of a modified clinical-based sensory re-education training tool not only on hand sensibility and manual dexterity but also functional ADL as well. The study was conducted on ten participants (N=10) with Traumatic brachial Plexus injury (TBPI) with upper extremity sensory deficits participate in the study. Participants were divided equally into control group (n=5) and experimental group (n=5). The experimental group were assigned to 8-week of 12-session intervention phase of sensory re-education program. Measurements used were the Semmes Weinstein monofilaments test, nine-hole peg test, turning fork test, Nottingham Extended activities of daily living and the Michigan Hand Outcome questionnaire. Measurements were collected at baseline, following the control phase and at the end of the intervention. Outcome of this study shows that, Compared to control group, experimental group demonstrated significant improvement in both Nottingham extended ADL scale and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) in functional Activities of Daily Living (fADL) with (p<0.05). However, No significant differences were observed as to the nine hole peg test and the monofilament tests. In conclusion, sensory re-education training not necessarily affects the level of sensory impairment in the hand but may lead to improvement in functional ADL measures