title: Sensory retraining of the lower limb after acute stroke: a randomized controlled pilot trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the effects of a sensory retraining protocol on sensation, postural control, and gait in acute stroke subjects.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized controlled pilot trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Inpatient rehabilitation hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-one subjects with sensory deficits in the feet, undergoing rehabilitation for stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sensory retraining of the more affected lower limb versus relaxation (sham intervention).
  
  
  METHODS
  Light touch at the sole of the foot (Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments), proprioception (Distal Proprioception Test), postural control (Berg Balance Scale), and gait (timed, Iowa Level of Assistance Scale).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant improvements (P<.05) over time were found in light touch at 3 points of the feet and in postural control, timed gait, and walking aid. No significant time effects were observed in proprioception or amount of assistance required to walk. No significant differences were detected between groups in any of the outcome variables, apart from light touch at the first metatarsal. The study had poor power (13%) to detect group effects due to the small sample size.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results of this pilot study are unable to support or refute the routine use of sensory retraining of the lower limb for people during inpatient rehabilitation after stroke. Further research with a larger sample size is required.
authors.affiliation: Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre, Adelaide, Centre for Allied Health Evidence, University of South Australia, and Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia, Australia. lynch.elizabeth@saugov.sa.gov.au
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Lynch
authors.forename: Susan L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Hillier
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Stiller
authors.forename: Rachel R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Campanella
authors.forename: Penny H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Fisher
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D011434:Proprioception / Q000502:physiology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*