Effects of Training for Finger Perception on Functional Recovery of Hemiplegic Upper Limbs in Acute Stroke Patients.

The study used quasirandomization (consecutive enrollment by time period) rather than true randomization, which increases the risk of selection bias. Most participants were already in high recovery stages (Brunnstrom 5 or 6), so the results may not apply to patients with severe initial hand paralysis. The study only measured light touch sensitivity; it did not assess proprioception or protective sensation, which are also critical for hand function. The sample size was small (56 total), and the authors note that individual differences in brain lesion location and severity were not analyzed. Blinding of participants and therapists to the intervention was not possible, which may have influenced effort or subjective outcomes.

Do not expect this training to improve grip strength or the ability to handle large objects. The benefit was specific to fine motor dexterity and tactile sensitivity in patients who already had significant voluntary movement.