Abstract
PurposeThe aim of this study was to explore experiences of upper limb somatosensory discrimination retraining in persons with stroke.MethodsA qualitative methodology was used within the context of a randomized control trial of somatosensory retraining: the CoNNECT trial. Participants in the CoNNECT trial completed a treatment program, known as SENSe therapy, to retrain upper limb somatosensory discrimination and recognition skills, and use of these skills in personally valued activities. Eight participants were interviewed on their experience of this therapy. Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).ResultsFive themes represented participants’ experiences of upper limb somatosensory retraining after stroke: (1) loss of sensation and desire to reclaim normality; (2) harnessing positivity in the therapeutic relationship and specialized therapy; (3) facing cognitive and emotional challenges; (4) distinct awareness of gains and differences in bodily sensations; and (5) improved functioning: control and choice in daily performance. Persons with stroke experienced somatosensory retraining as a valuable treatment that provided them with sensory and functional gains.ConclusionUpper limb somatosensory retraining is a treatment that persons with stroke perceived as challenging and rewarding. People who have experienced stroke believed that somatosensory retraining therapy assisted them to improve their sensation, functional arm use, as well as daily performance and participation in life.
Highlights
Stroke happens unexpectedly with rapid adverse effects on brain function (Sacco et al, 2013)
The purpose of the current study was to gain an understanding of how people who have experienced stroke and impaired sensation perceive their experience of upper limb somatosensory retraining, including: the motivators to participate in this therapy; the factors that facilitate or hinder their ability to learn and/or perform during retraining; and the perceived changes that occur as a result of this treatment
Severity of upper limb sensory loss varied amongst participants; despite this, all felt distinct somatosensory loss that impacted on their connection to self, others, and the environment
Summary
Stroke happens unexpectedly with rapid adverse effects on brain function (Sacco et al, 2013). Two recent qualitative studies provide insight into the experience of upper limb somatosensory loss in people who have experienced stroke (Connell et al, 2014; Doyle et al, 2014). In these studies, participants report that somatosensory loss impacts negatively on their performance, roles, and participation in life situations (Connell et al, 2014; Doyle et al, 2014). Never-theless, people who have experienced stroke value treatment that improves somatosensation (i.e., remediates deficits) (Doyle et al, 2014), such as somatosensory discrimination retraining
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