Sensory training combined with motor training improves trunk proprioception in stroke patients: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT

Objectives

Inadequate trunk function is the underlying cause of many problems such as impaired balance and mobility. Although there have been trunk-based physiotherapy approaches in recent years, almost all of these approaches focus on motor problems. This study aims to investigate the effects of sensory training combined with trunk-centered Bobath exercises on trunk control and proprioception, balance, gait, and the activity of daily living (ADL).

Materials and Methods

This study is a randomized controlled trial included with twenty-seven stroke patients. Participants were separated into two groups, Group 1; ‘sensory training combined with trunk-centered Bobath exercises’ and Group 2; ‘trunk-centered Bobath exercises’. Trunk-centered Bobath exercises were used for motor training. Sensory training included transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation and a set of exercises that provide tactile and proprioceptive stimulation. Trunk Impairment Scale, Trunk Reposition Error, Berg Balance Scale, 2-minute walk test, and Barthel Index were used to assess trunk control, trunk proprioception, balance, gait, and ADL respectively.

Results

Intra-group analysis results showed that trunk control, trunk proprioception, balance, gait, and ADL improved in both groups after treatment (p < 0.05). The changes in the Trunk Reposition Error values of the participants in Group 1 before and after treatment was found to be significantly higher than Group 2 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The findings indicated that the application of trunk-centered motor training is effective in improving trunk proprioception and trunk control, balance, gait, and ADL in stroke patients. Also, sensory training combined with trunk-centered motor training was found more effective in improving trunk proprioception than solely motor training.

KEYWORDS:

• Stroke rehabilitation
• Bobath concept
• gait
• neuro-developmental treatment
• sensory training
• transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Supplementary Material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/01616412.2024.2337522

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.