The effect of combined somatosensory stimulation and task-specific training on upper limb function in chronic stroke: A double-blind randomized controlled trial

You'll have to hope your doctor makes changes to your stroke protocols based on this without you needing to remind her/him that this article is out there.
http://search.naric.com/research/rehab/redesign_record.cfm?search=2&type=all&criteria=J70716&phrase=no&rec=127139
Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair , Volume 29(2) , Pgs. 143-152.

NARIC Accession Number: J70716.  What's this?
ISSN: 1545-9683.
Author(s): Fleming, Melanie K.; Sorinola, Isaac O.; Roberts-Lewis, Sarah F.; Wolfe, Charles D.; Wellwood, Ian; Newham, Di J..
Publication Year: 2015.
Number of Pages: 10.
Abstract: Study explored the effect and underlying mechanisms of combining somatosensory stimulation (SS) with task-specific training (TST) on upper-limb function and arm use in chronic stroke survivors. SS involves low-intensity electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves, inducing paraesthesia without substantial motor output. In this double-blinded randomized controlled trial, 33 patients were block randomized to 2 groups: active or sham SS. They received 12 sessions of 2 hours of SS (active or sham) to all 3 upper limb nerves immediately before 30 minutes of TST. The primary outcome was the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) score. Secondary outcomes were time to perform the ARAT, Fugl-Meyer Assessment score (FM), Motor Activity Log (MAL), and Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). Underlying mechanisms were explored using transcranial magnetic stimulation stimulus-response curves and intracortical inhibition. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately following the intervention, and 3 and 6 months (mean 96 and 190 days) after the intervention. The active group demonstrated greater improvement in ARAT score and time immediately postintervention, but not at 3- or 6-month follow-ups. Within-group improvements were seen for both groups for ARAT and GAS, but for the active group only for FM and MAL. Corticospinal excitability did not change. The results indicated long-lasting improvements in upper-limb function following TST. The additional benefit of SS was seen immediately post treatment, but did not persist and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
Descriptor Terms: ELECTRICAL STIMULATION, EXERCISE, LIMBS, MOTOR SKILLS, NERVES, PHYSICAL THERAPY, STROKE, TASK ANALYSIS.

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Citation: Fleming, Melanie K., Sorinola, Isaac O., Roberts-Lewis, Sarah F., Wolfe, Charles D., Wellwood, Ian, Newham, Di J.. (2015). The effect of combined somatosensory stimulation and task-specific training on upper limb function in chronic stroke: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 29(2), Pgs. 143-152. Retrieved 5/13/2015, from REHABDATA database.