Effects of a hand sensory reeducation program: case report

Abstract

A patient who had undergone nerve injury repair surgery of the right-hand 5th-finger flexor tendons and digital nerve was studied in order to assess the effects of a hand sensory reeducation program. The patient was evaluated before and after the three-month program application, as to: touch pressure threshold (by monofilaments); static and moving two-point discrimination; pinch strength; and answered the Dash - Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand - questionnaire. The proposed exercises involved static and moving touch discrimination, and recognition of different shapes, sizes and textures. The patient was also guided to do the exercises at home. After the three-month program, a pressure threshold reduction was noticed in the 5th-finger volar region, as well as a static two-point discrimination improvement in the same area. Also, an increase of grip and pitch strength and a minor score in the Dash questionnaire were found. Results thus suggest that the sensorial reeducation program proposed may contribute to improving hand sensory function, bringing real benefits to the patient.