Lynch EA, Hillier SL, Stiller K, Campanella RR, Fisher PH
The aim of the study was to determine the effects of a sensory retraining protocol on sensation, postural control, and gait in acute stroke subjects. Twenty-one subjects with sensory deficits in the feet, undergoing rehabilitation for stroke participated. The intervention involved sensory retraining of the more affected lower limb versus relaxation (sham intervention). Significant improvements over time were found in light touch at 3 points of the feet and in postural control, timed gait, and walking aid. However, the study had poor power to detect group effects due to the small sample size. The results of this pilot study were unable to support or refute the routine use of sensory retraining of the lower limb for people during inpatient rehabilitation after stroke. Further research with a larger sample size is required.
Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 2007, 88(9), 1101-7