Sensorimotor Rehabilitation Using Viscoelastic Material for Upper Limb Recovery after Stroke: A Case Report

Upper limb impairment after stroke is a major contributor to functional dependence and reduced quality of life. Although sensorimotor rehabilitation strategies are recommended to promote motor recovery, evidence regarding the therapeutic use of viscoelastic materials remains limited. This case report describes the outcomes of a rehabilitation nursing intervention using a viscoelastic product in a 56-year-old man with multifocal ischemic stroke and left upper limb impairment. The patient completed a 21-day rehabilitation nursing program comprising eight sessions that combined conventional upper limb rehabilitation exercises with sensorimotor stimulation using a viscoelastic product. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Medical Research Council Scale, the Barthel Index, and the Functional Independence Measure. Muscle strength improved from grades 1-3 to grades 4-5 on the Medical Research Council Scale. Functional recovery included improvements in dynamic balance, gait performance, and independence in activities of daily living, with the Barthel Index increasing from 75 (moderate dependence) to 95 (mild dependence). No follow-up data beyond hospital discharge were available to evaluate the long-term maintenance of these functional gains. This case suggests that incorporating a viscoelastic product into a rehabilitation nursing program is feasible and may contribute to improvements in upper limb motor performance and functional independence following stroke. Further prospective studies with larger samples and longer follow-up are warranted.