Combined Effects of Tactile Kinesthetic Stimulation With Neural Mobilization in Stroke Patients

Combined Effects of Tactile Kinesthetic Stimulation With Neural Mobilization on Sensory and Motor Functions of the Upper Limb in Stroke Patients

Combined Effects of Tactile -kinesthetic stimulation with Neural mobilization on sensory and motor functions of upper limb in stroke patients

Stroke ranks among the primary causes of lasting disability, frequently leaving the upper limb weak, numb, or clumsy and thereby curtailing daily independence and overall well-being. Although multiple therapy regimens appear helpful, research to date Meestal tests each method alone, obscuring how paired sensory and motor targets might accelerate recovery. The present study investigates combined the effect of tactile-kinesthetic input with neural mobilization against standard care, hypothesizing that the blend will produce broader gains in sensation and movement.

This randomized clinical trial will be conducted at Ittefaq Hospital (Trust) Lahore and Gulab Devi Chest Hospital Lahore over duration of 11 months. The sample size will be (53) participants. Participants which meet the inclusion criteria will be taken through non-probability convenience sampling technique, which will further be randomized through lottery method. Group A (27) participants will be assigned to combined tactile kinesthetic stimulation plus neural mobilization and Group B (27)participants will be assigned to conventional therapy. Data will be collected through different assessment tools, including Fugyl-Meyer Assessment for motor function, Nottingham Sensory Assessment Scale (NAS) for sensory function. Pre-interventions assessments will be conducted for both groups. The effects of the interventions will be measured at pre-treatment and post-treatment of 6 weeks. Data analysis will be performed by using SPSS 26 software.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 45 - 65 years
• Both gender Male and Female
• Diagnosed with chronic stroke stated as occurring 6 month to 12 month .
• Sensory impairment - loss of tactile and proprioception NSA ( < 7/12)
• Motor impairment - lack in full strength and coordination ( Brunnstrom >3)
• Scored 24 or higher on the Mini-Mental State Examination, indicating sufficient cognition to follow study instructions.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe cognitive or communication difficulties that would prevent meaningful involvement in therapy or testing.
• Comorbid conditions that impair upper-limb function, including arthritis, prior fractures, or similar disorders.
• Neurological conditions other than stroke that could interfere with study outcomes
• Engagement in any other rehabilitation program during the trial period.