Variation in postoperative rehabilitation among physiotherapists in patients following coronary artery bypass graft in Peshawar

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a neurological condition characterized by the disruption of the blood supply to the brain which causes damage to both the motor and sensory system. Stroke is also second most common cause of death worldwide. Therefore, the study aimed to find the effect of motor rehabilitation on the sensory system of stroke patients.

METHODS: An observational cross-sectional survey was conducted over six months in multiple hospitals in Peshawar, Pakistan. Participants included 137 sub-acute stroke patients aged between 30 and 70 years who were undergoing upper limb rehabilitation within one to twelve months post-stroke. Non-probability purposive sampling was used for participant recruitment, and written consent forms were obtained after receiving approval from the officials of the Northwest Institute of Health Sciences (NWIHS). Screening criteria were implemented to ensure appropriate participant selection. Data for the study was collected using the Upper Limb Functional Activity Index (ULFI), Graphesthesia Test, and Stereognosis Test. Descriptive statistics, including percentages and frequencies, were calculated for baseline characteristics, while mean and standard deviation were determined for continuous variables.

RESULTS: Among the participants of the study, 68 (49.6%) were male and 69 (50.4%) were female. The findings revealed that most participants (98%) were able to identify the numbers written on their hands, indicating intact graphesthesia. Similarly, 92% of participants were able to identify objects placed in their hands, suggesting intact stereognosis. Moreover, the Upper Limb Functional Activity Index (ULFI) showed that most participants (98%) had non-functional upper limb activity. There was a significant relationship between age and upper extremity functional index, with participants aged 41 to 50 years being non-functional, while a few participants in the age groups of 51 to 60 years and 61 to 76 years showed normal functional activity. Additionally, gender analysis showed that there were more non-functional males compared to non-functional females.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, most of the participants who had positive graphesthesia test and tactile object recognition test also had mild functional and participants having non-functional activity had both physical tests negative which shows a positive correlation of upper limb functional activities index with stereognosis and graphesthesia in sub-acute stroke patients.