Stroke survivors' experiences of somatosensory impairment after stroke: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
BACKGROUND
Somatosensory ability is commonly impaired after stroke. Despite the growing recognition for the need to understand service users' experiences and perspectives in health services provision, the experiences of stroke survivors' living with somatosensory impairment have yet to be reported.


OBJECTIVE
To gain an insight into how stroke survivors experience somatosensory impairment after stroke.


METHODS
A qualitative study design was used with data analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.


METHODS
Semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out with purposively selected community dwelling stroke survivors who had somatosensory impairment.


RESULTS
Five stroke survivors were interviewed in this study. Data analysis resulted in the emergence of three superordinate themes (i) making sense of somatosensory impairment, (ii) interplay of somatosensory impairment and motor control for executing tasks and (iii) perseverance versus learned non-use. The stroke survivors in this study were aware that their somatosensory ability was affected as a result of their stroke, but had difficulty in articulating their experiences of sensation and the impact of the impairment on functional ability. Most often somatosensory impairment was described in terms of difficulties with executing specific tasks, particularly by the upper limb.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important to be aware that somatosensory impairment is of concern to stroke survivors. Further research is needed to develop evidence-based and practice-appropriate clinical assessment tools and treatment strategies for somatosensory rehabilitation after stroke.
Clinical Practice Research Unit, School of Health, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, United Kingdom. Electronic address: laconnell@uclan.ac.uk.
Louise A
LA
Connell
Clinical Practice Research Unit, School of Health, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, United Kingdom.
Naoimh E
NE
McMahon
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Coach Lane Campus Coach Lane, Benton, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7XA, United Kingdom.
Nicola
N
Adams
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020886:Somatosensory Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications*; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology
Experiences; Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis; Somatosensory impairment; Stroke