Effects of Upper Limb Peripheral Nerve Mobilization on Motor Function and Nerve Conduction among Subjects with Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effects of upper limb PNM, in combination with standard stroke rehabilitation therapy, on motor function, nerve conduction, and cortical reorganization in patients with middle cerebral artery stroke.
Meterial and Methods: Sixty-six participants aged 40–75 years were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=33) or a control group (n=33). The experimental group received standard stroke rehabilitation therapy plus PNM, while the control group received standard therapy alone. Outcome measures included the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) for radial, median, and ulnar nerves, and fMRI-based assessment of cortical activity.
Results: The experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvements than the control group. WMFT scores increased from 25.8±3.0 to 32.4±3.2 (p-value<0.05). Median NCV increased from 50.4±2.9 m/s to 54.3±2.5 m/s, radial NCV from 49.9±2.8 m/s to 53.7±2.4 m/s, and ulnar NCV from 50.1±2.7 m/s to 55.0±2.6 m/sm/s (all p-value<0.05). fMRI revealed increased activation in motor-related cortical regions post-intervention.
Conclusion: Integrating PNM into conventional stroke rehabilitation significantly enhances motor recovery, improves nerve conduction, and facilitates cortical reorganization, offering a valuable non-pharmacological approach to optimizing post-stroke recovery.
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