The effect of mechanical digit sensory stimulation on upper limb motor function recovery in convalescent stroke patients with hemiplegia.

OBJECTIVE

Mechanical digit sensory stimulation (MDSS), applied once solely to paralyzed fingers in stroke patients, has been clinically shown to immediately and significantly reduce muscle spasticity in the affected hand, enabling active finger extension. This study investigated the effects of one course of MDSS on upper limb motor function in stroke patients with hemiplegia.

METHODS

Forty patients were randomly assigned to either a Control group, receiving only conventional rehabilitation, or an MDSS group, receiving both conventional rehabilitation and MDSS for 2-4 weeks. Before and after the intervention, measurements were taken, including muscle tone, surface electromyographic signals (sEMG), motor function, and activities of daily living.

RESULTS

The results revealed that while both groups showed improvements, the MDSS group exhibited significantly lower muscle tone scores, larger sEMG for specific muscle groups, and higher motor function scores compared to the Control group. Although the MDSS group demonstrated greater improvements in activities of daily living, these differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, MDSS effectively alleviates muscle spasticity and aids in enhancing muscle strength and motor function in stroke patients with hemiplegia.