Upper limb post-stroke sensory impairments: the survivor’s experience

AbstractPurpose: This study described stroke survivors’ experiences of upper limb post-stroke sensory impairment (ULPSSI) and its rehabilitation. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study of 15 stroke survivors with ULPSSI using semi-structured interviews. A focus group of eight survivors reviewed thematic outcomes. Analysis was completed by three authors. Results: Three themes emerged: (1) What happened to my hand?: A description of the significant impact of sensory impairments on survivors roles and participation; (2) I was only just getting started: Survivors felt sensory impairments and the upper limb were ignored in rehabilitation and described being left on their own to devise their own rehabilitation; and (3) If I work hard then maybe someday: Survivors felt sensory impairments recovered slowly and was aided by working towards recovery and maintaining hope. Conclusions: Sensory impairments are significant for survivors and are deserving of greater clinical and research attention. In particular, asse...