The Development and Effects of an Upper Extremity Exercise Program Based on Patterned Sensory Enhancement for Home-bound Stroke Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to develop and assess the feasibility of an upper extremity exercise program based on Patterned Sensory Enhancement (PSE) for home-bound stroke patients by measuring the level of upper extremity function, depression, and interpersonal relationship. METHODS: The experiments were performed on stroke patients at three different rehabilitation centers in Incheon City. Twenty patients participated in the experimental group or in the control group. The program was executed three times a week for 6 weeks. Data were collected from August to October, 2006. Manual Function Test was used to quantify and evaluate upper extremity function. The depression level and the effectiveness of interpersonal relationship were quantified and measured using CES-D and Interpersonal Relationship Scale, respectively. RESULTS: The effectiveness of upper extremity function of stroke patients who participated in the PSE upper extremity exercise program was higher than that of non-participating patients. The depression level decreased and interpersonal relationship improved in the stroke patients who participated in this program compared to those who did not. CONCLUSION: These findings prove that the PSE upper extremity exercise program for home-bound stroke patients was an effective strategy for enhancing upper extremity function, decreasing the depression level, and improving interpersonal relationships.