Manual Dexterity Training and Cognitive Function in Adults with Stroke: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Occupational Therapy
• Cognitive Rehabilitation

Background:

• Acquired brain injury (ABI) impairs manual dexterity (MD) and cognitive functions, affecting daily activities.
• Occupational therapy (OT) aims to enhance functionality and quality of life for individuals with ABI.
• Evidence on MD training's impact on cognitive and functional outcomes in stroke survivors is evolving.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on MD training's effects on cognitive processes and functional performance in adults post-stroke.
• To identify common assessment tools and intervention techniques used in MD and cognitive training.
• To synthesize findings on the role of occupational therapists and physiotherapists in ABI rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review methodology was employed.
• Systematic literature searches were conducted in PubMed and Scopus for studies from the last 10 years.
• A three-phase screening process, with duplicate removal, identified relevant experimental studies on ABI interventions.

Main Results:

• Ten studies (2016-2023) were included, primarily involving robotics and virtual reality interventions.
• Most studies involved occupational therapists, with some including physiotherapists.
• Combined MD and upper-limb motor skill training demonstrated improvements in attention, memory, and executive functions.

Conclusions:

• Combined motor-cognitive interventions, delivered by occupational therapists or physiotherapists, show promise for optimizing rehabilitation outcomes in ABI.
• Further research is recommended to strengthen the evidence base for these integrated approaches.
• The findings support a multidisciplinary approach to enhance functional recovery and quality of life after ABI.