Effects of Cognitive Exercise Therapy on Tactile Sensations of the Hands and Activities of Daily Living in Stroke Patients

Background/Objectives: The aim of present study was to evaluate the effects of cognitive exercise therapy (CET) on tactile sensations of the hands and activities of daily living in stroke patients.

Method/Statistical Analysis: A total of 14 stroke patients with impaired hand sensations were participated and were randomly assigned to the CET group or the traditional occupational therapy (TOT) group. Patients in the CET group performed cognitive tasks using their spatial and tactile senses, whereas those in the TOT group received traditional occupational therapy. The intervention periods of the two groups were 30 min per day, five-times per week for four weeks. All participations were assessed before and after intervention with light touch sensation using the Mono-Filament, two-point discrimination sensation using the Disk-Criminator (static and dynamic tactile sensations), and the modified Barthel index (MBI) for activities of daily living ability.

Findings: The CET group appeared significant improvements in static and dynamic two-point discrimination, and the MBI before and after the intervention. Also, the TOT group showed a significant improvement in MBI after intervention. At post-test, the CET group showed significant improvements in two-point discrimination and light touch compared to the TOT group.

Improvements/Applications: These findings suggest that CET can induce improvement of the tactile sensations of the hands in stroke patients. Thus, we suggest that CET can be used for tactile-sensory rehabilitation of patients with stroke in clinic.