Content area
Full Text
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.
Keywords: Traumatic brachial plexus; Sensory re-education; Manual dexterity; Functional ADL; Hand sensibility
Introduction
Background
Brachial plexus injury (BPI) is a severe peripheral nerve injury affecting upper extremities, causing functional damage and physical disability (The most common cause of adult BPI is a traffic accident, such as motorcycle accidents. Most patients are young men between 15 and 25 years of age. Other traumatic causes include sports injuries, incised wounds, gunshot wounds, carrying a heavy backpack, and inappropriate operative positioning. Non-traumatic causes consist of tumors, irradiation and congenital abnormalities such as cervical ribs. It has been established that traumatic brachial plexus injuries among adult's populations are critical which often produce severe disability and the prognosis is often guarded [1].
An injury affecting the plexus brings about several ranges of injuries. The well-established Sunderland's outstanding arrangement is valuable to comprehend the idea...