Comparative Effects of Sensorimotor Interventions on Hand Performance With Stroke

Summary

This randomized controlled trial investigated the comparative effects of sensory, motor, and combined sensorimotor interventions on hand motor function and behavioral performance in patients with stroke. The study focused on upper-extremity impairments, particularly deficits in hand strength, dexterity, and reaction time, which are common following stroke and substantially limit functional independence. Sensorimotor integration plays a critical role in motor recovery, as effective hand function depends on the interaction between sensory feedback and motor control mechanisms.

Participants with stroke were randomly assigned to sensory, motor, or combined sensorimotor intervention groups. The interventions were designed to target tactile perception, motor coordination, and integrated sensorimotor processing through attended active and passive stimulation approaches. Outcome measures included hand grip strength, manual dexterity, and reaction time, which were evaluated before and after the intervention period.

The findings demonstrated that sensorimotor-based rehabilitation approaches positively influenced upper-extremity motor performance and behavioral responses in stroke patients. In particular, combined sensorimotor interventions appeared to provide more comprehensive improvements by simultaneously enhancing sensory processing and motor execution. These results support the importance of integrating sensory-focused strategies into conventional motor rehabilitation programs to optimize neuroplasticity and functional recovery after stroke. The study contributes to the growing evidence supporting multidimensional rehabilitation approaches for improving hand function and sensorimotor performance in individuals with stroke.

Conditions

• Stroke
• Hand

Interventions

OTHER

Sensory and Motor Exercise Group

In the Combined Sensorimotor Group (CSMG), sensory and motor exercises were applied according to the protocols used in the Sensory Exercise Group (SEG) and Motor Exercise Group (MEG). However, each exercise was performed as a single set, with the remaining session time allocated to superficial massage and sensory stimulation. The sensory and motor components were administered sequentially, with each phase lasting approximately 7-8 minutes to maintain temporal balance within the session.

OTHER

The Sensory Exercise Group

The Sensory Exercise Group (SEG) participated in an intervention designed to enhance sensory awareness and integration. The protocol included tactile stimuli such as sand, sensory balls, fabrics with different textures, multisensory gels, brushing, vibration, and superficial massage to stimulate cutaneous receptors and enrich sensory input. Massage was applied with the participant in a supine position, elbows extended, and hands in a neutral position. All sessions were standardized using a digital stopwatch, and each intervention lasted approximately 15 minutes with equal time allocation across groups. This standardized timing ensured that observed effects were related to the intervention content rather than differences in exposure duration.

OTHER

The Motor Exercise Group

The Motor Exercise Group (MEG) performed structured hand exercises including active range of motion exercises for the wrist and fingers, grip strengthening, stabilization exercises, and wrist flexion-extension exercises using elastic bands and dumbbells. Resistance levels were adjusted according to participant tolerance, and the protocol was applied only to the dominant side. Each exercise consisted of 5-7 repetitions and two sets, with 30-second rest intervals between sets.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Atlas University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

45 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-03-06

Primary Completion

2026-04-25

Completion

2026-05-01

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations