The graph – 5 clearly illustrates the changes in the
touch pressure threshold score in both the
experimental and control group following intervention
. In the experimental group, statistically significant
change was found where as in the control group, the
mean value of the touch threshold pressure remained
the same following the intervention. This means that
the home program has not produced any change in
the touch pressure threshold of the repaired hands in
the control group. The statistically significant change
in the experimental group might be due to the graded
tactile stimulation which the subjects received as part
of the sensory re-education.
From the results obtained, it was found that the
experimental group has shown significant change in
the five parameters used to measure level of sensation
than the control group.
The findings of the study have important
implications for occupational therapy practice. It
reinforces the need of sensory re-education for patients
with peripheral nerve injuries (especially median and
ulnar) to reduce their discomfort and to gain better
sensibility. To hasten the recovery and achieve
independence in ADL, the involved hand need to be
incorporated more in the functional use of common
objects.
The study also has its own limitations. It was
conducted only on male subjects. Hence the results
cannot be generalized to the female individuals. There
were chances for the home program given being not
followed by the subjects as there was no
documentation of the home program in terms of
regular fill up check list of home program activities
done by the patient on any particular day. Only verbal
enquiry was done on regular basis.