Change in dexterity with sensory awareness training: a randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Motor Control
• Human Movement Science

Background:

• Sensory awareness is increasingly recognized for its role in movement control, acting as both a feed-forward and feedback mechanism.
• Understanding how to train sensory awareness is crucial for applications in sports and clinical rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of a sensory awareness training program.
• To determine the effect of a single sensory awareness training session on hand dexterity in healthy adults.

Main Methods:

• 29 healthy students were randomly assigned to three groups: sensory awareness training with the dominant hand, with the non-dominant hand, or a sham control.
• Dexterity was assessed using the Purdue Pegboard Test and a grip-lift manipulandum.
• Perceived changes were measured via questionnaire.

Main Results:

• The dominant hand sensory awareness training group showed a statistically significant improvement in mean dexterity compared to the control group.
• No significant differences in dexterity were found between the dominant and non-dominant hand training groups, or between the non-dominant hand training and control groups.

Conclusions:

• Sensory awareness training is a feasible intervention for enhancing motor skills.
• A single session of sensory awareness training can improve hand dexterity in healthy individuals, particularly when focused on the dominant hand.