Impaired discrimination of surface friction contributes to pinch grip deficit after stroke

Abstract

Background. Impaired sensation and force production could both contribute to handgrip limitation after stroke. Clinically, training is usually directed to motor impairment rather than sensory impairment despite the prevalence of sensory deficit and the importance of sensory input for grip control. Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate if sensory deficits contribute to pinch grip dysfunction beyond that attributable to motor deficits poststroke. Methods. The study enlisted 45 stroke participants and 45 healthy controls matched for age, gender, and hand dominance. Ability to differentiate surface friction (Friction Discrimination Test [FDT]), match object weight (Weight Matching ..