The Neural Mechanism and Efficacy of Somatosensory Motor Integration Training on the Upper Extremity Somatosensory Motor Function in Patients With Chronic Stroke

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the effects of different training methods on upper limb function in patients who have had a stroke at least six months ago and still experience somatosensory and motor impairments. The study aims to compare somatosensory-motor integration training, pure motor training, and pure somatosensory training to understand their impact on recovery and the underlying brain mechanisms using neuroimaging and neurophysiological methods. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: somatosensory-motor integration training, pure somatosensory training, or pure motor training. Each group will receive 15 sessions of training lasting 60 minutes each, delivered three to five times per week. The somatosensory-motor integration group performs functional tasks using both hands that require somatosensory discrimination to support motor control. The pure somatosensory group focuses on somatosensory discrimination tasks with the affected hand, while the pure motor group practices bilateral task-oriented movements without somatosensory discrimination. During the study, participants will undergo baseline assessments, post-intervention evaluations, and a follow-up after three months. Researchers will measure changes in brain activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy and assess motor and sensory functions with clinical scales such as the Action Research Arm Test and Fugl-Meyer Assessment. Additional evaluations include the quality and frequency of limb use in daily life, ability to perform daily activities, and quality of life. The study will analyze treatment effects and factors influencing recovery over the study period, which lasts up to approximately five weeks plus the three-month follow-up.

Effect of Somatosensory Motor Intergration Training on Post-stroke Upper Limb Function.