Effects Of Sensory Training and Electrical Stimulation on Sole of The Foot Sensations in Patients With Acute Hemiplegia

Effects Of Sensory Training and Electrical Stimulation in Sole of The Foot on Proprioceptive and Cortical Sensations in Patients With Acute Hemiplegia

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the sole of foot sensory education and electrical stimulation on proprioceptive and cortical senses in patients with acute hemiplegia.

Hemiplegia is a syndrome characterized by disorders of motor and sensory functions, speech and mental abilities. Hemiplegia is a common neurological problem in the world and is the third most common cause of death.

In addition to motor loss in patients after stroke, sensory problems are accompanied and close to 60% of stroke patients experience sensory problems. In a limited number of studies in the literature, it is stated that sensory impairment in the lower extremity negatively affects standing, walking speed, balance during ambulation and symmetrical gait. At the same time, it has been proven that the sole of the foot sense plays an important role in the balance of sitting, standing up and performing independent daily living activities. After a stroke, sensory training increases functionality, patients with sensory training recover faster, mobility, balance and daily life activities become better, and daily life improvement is expressed. The purpose of sensory training is to maximize the patient's learning through the connection between environment and repetitive activities.

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of neurodevelopmental physiotherapy program combined with sensory training or electrical stimulation on the sole of the foot proprioceptive and cortical senses in individuals diagnosed with hemiplegia.

There is no study on how proprioceptive and cortical sensations will be affected in acute hemiplegic patients if sensory training and electrical stimulation are added to the classical treatment program. By finding and comparing the effects of active (sensory training) and passive treatment (electric stimulation) with this study, it was planned to propose an effective treatment protocol for developing the sole of the foot senses to the experts working in this field.

As a result, purpose of the study is to prevent inadequate sensory input in hemiplegic patients from adversely affecting quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participating to the study in a voluntary basis
• Patients with 50-80 years old
• A stroke diagnosis by a neurologist
• A stroke attack within 6 months
• Minimum 18 points from Mini Mental Test
• Medically stable

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unstable condition
• Other neurological or orthopaedic problems that will affect function other than stroke
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Part/total foot amputation