Adverse effects of motor-related symptoms on the ipsilateral upper limb according to long-term cane usage

Abstract

Objective:

Although the cane is prescribed to aid in daily living and social participation in stroke patients, this study aimed to identify whether long-term cane usage affected sensorimotor functions in the distal part of the non-affected upper limb in relation to a tracking task, a nine-hole pegboard test, and proprioceptive joint sense.

Patient and method:

Forty stroke patients who were divided into a cane using group (CUG) or a non-cane using group (NCUG) participated in this study. Subjects were evaluated in a tracking task for visuomotor coordination, a nine-hole pegboard test for dexterous hand motion, and a joint reposition test for proprioceptive sense integrity.

Result:

Comparison of the CUG and NCUG revealed significant differences in performance of the tracking task, the nine-hole pegboard test, and the joint reposition test (p < 0.05). The CUG had more difficulty performing visuomotor coordination and dexterous hand motion tasks compared with the NCUG. Proprioceptive joint sense was also deteriorated in the CUG.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that stroke patients who use a cane for a long period, could experience decreased sensorimotor function in the ipsilateral upper limb of a damaged hemisphere. Therefore, it will be necessary to provide careful evaluation and appropriate therapeutic intervention for stroke patients who require the use of a cane over a long period.