A randomized controlled trial of Cognitive Sensory Motor Training Therapy on the recovery of arm function in acute stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Cognitive Sensory Motor Training Therapy (Perfetti's method) vis-à-vis conventional occupational therapy in the recovery of arm function after acute stroke.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Two rehabilitation centers in Bangkok, Thailand.

SUBJECTS

Forty first-time acute stroke patients without severe cognitive or language impairment.

INTERVENTION

All subjects were randomly divided into two groups; one was treated using Perfetti's method and the other using conventional occupational therapy. Each group underwent therapy for 30 minutes, five times a week for four weeks.

MAIN MEASURES

The primary variable was arm function as assessed by the Action Research Arm Test; secondary variables were the extended Barthel Index and the box and block test score.

RESULTS

The intention-to-treat analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between the two groups at the end of treatment for any variable.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no evidence of a difference between Cognitive Sensory Motor Training Therapy of Perfetti's method and conventional occupational therapy with respect to the restoration of hand and arm function after a stroke.