Could sensory cueing help subacute stroke survivors overcome learned non-use of hemiplegic upper extremity after discharge from hospital? A preliminary study

Background and purpose: Learned non-use is common among subacute stroke survivors after discharge from the hospital. This study investigates the effects of sensory cueing on promoting the hemiplegic upper extremity recovery of stroke patients after subacute discharge. Methods: 10 subacute stroke patients recruited from 2 public hospitals in Hong Kong were randomly allocated to the experimental group (n=2), placebo group (n=3), or control group (n=5) at discharge. Patients in the experimental group received sensory cueing from a wristwatch device plus 'remind to move' treatment for 3 hours daily for 4 weeks. Patients in the placebo group received sham treatment without sensory cueing. Patients in the control group received conventional healthcare follow-up. Assessments involved muscle strength (grip and pinch), the use of Block and Box Test (BBT), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), and Motor Activity Log (MAL). All patients were evaluated within 3 days before discharge and after 4 weeks of intervention. Results were analysed between and within groups. Results: Non-significant differences were found on muscle strength, BBT, ARAT, FMA, and MAL among groups (p>0.05). Significant difference was revealed between the experimental and placebo groups in the amount of hand use as measured by MAL (p