Rehabilitation outcomes in traumatic brachial plexus Injury: Occupational therapy perspective

Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury (TBPI) results in significant motor and sensory impairments, impacting daily function, employment, and psychological well-being. While surgical interventions aim to restore function, outcomes remain variable, necessitating comprehensive rehabilitation. Occupational Therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in optimizing upper limb function, addressing psychosocial concerns, and enhancing quality of life. However, limited research exists on its specific impact, particularly in the Indian context.

This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of OT interventions in adult TBPI patients, assessing their impact on muscle strength, sensation, range of motion, functional performance, and quality of life.

A prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted at the Occupational Therapy Department of a tertiary healthcare center in Mumbai, India. 33 patients were recruited, with 31 completing the study. Functional outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-intervention using muscle power assessment, sensory evaluation, range of motion, the Brachial Assessment Tool (BrAT), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, WHOQOL-BREF, and the Modified Mallet Score.

Significant improvements were observed in muscle power (p = 0.0001), sensation (p = 0.0001). The BrAT score showed significant improvement across all time points, particularly in conservatively managed patients (p < 0.01). DASH scores demonstrated a significant reduction over 12 months (p = 0.0001), with upper plexus injuries showing better recovery than global plexus injuries. WHOQOL-BREF scores improved significantly in physical, psychological, and social domains (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a strong negative correlation between DASH and BrAT scores (R = -0.84, p = 0.0001) and a moderate positive correlation between BrAT and WHOQOL-BREF (Physical R = 0.57, Psychological R = 0.58, p = 0.0001).

Occupational Therapy significantly enhances functional recovery, independence in daily activities, and psychosocial well-being in TBPI patients. Conservatively managed patients showed greater functional gains compared to surgically managed patients. These findings highlight the critical role of OT in TBPI rehabilitation and the need for standardized OT protocols to improve patient outcomes.