Review
Copyright ©2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc.
World J Clin Cases. Aug 16, 2014; 2(8): 316-326
Published online Aug 16, 2014. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v2.i8.316
Table 1 Summary of conventional rehabilitation therapies with an emphasis on sensory inputs and outcomes
TreatmentSensory inputsRationaleSensory outcomeResult1
BobathVisual, verbal and tactileNeurophysiology concept (emphasis on selective movement and postural control by key points of the body, with problem-solving training)NoneUL (-), LL (-)
BrunnstromVisual and cutaneousNeurophysiology (an ordered, predictable, stepwise progression from initial flaccidity to stereotypical synergy and then to normal patterns of voluntary movements)NoneNA
PNFVisual, tactile, verbal and proprioceptiveNeurophysiology concept (through the stimulation or relaxation of muscle groups combined with various sensory inputs in response to specific movement patterns to promote functional movement)NoneNA
Motor relearningVisual, tactile and auditoryNeuropsychology (Active practice of context-specific motor task with well-designed motor and sensory components )NoneNA [UL (-) and LL (-) motor control with 3 RCTs]
Table 2 Comparison of the characteristics of sensory stimulation modalities and the rationales for recent advanced rehabilitation strategies and their outcomes
TreatmentSensory modalityRationaleSensoryoutcomeResult1
Electrical stimulationProprioceptive and tactileNeurophysiology/neuropsychologyYes (+)UL (+) for motor control, LL (+) for gait ability
Robotic therapyVisual, auditory and proprioceptiveNeurophysiology/neuropsychologyNoneUL (+) for motor control
Virtual realityVisual and auditoryNeuropsychologyNoneNA [UL (+/-) motor control with RCTs]
Intermittent compressionTactile and proprioceptiveNeurophysiologyYes (+)NA [UL (+) motor control with RCTs]
CIMTVisual and verbalNeuropsychologyNoneUL (+)
PBWSTTVisual and proprioceptiveNeurophysiology/neuropsychologyNoneLL (+) motor and gait function
Thermal stimulationHot and cold agentNeurophysiology/neuropsychologyYes (+)NA [UL/LE (+) motor control with 5 RCTs]