Comfortably numb? Experiences of people with stroke and lower limb sensation deficits : impact and solutions

Luckie, H; Hollands, K; Williamson, T; Nester, CJ; Williams, AE

Abstract

Purpose: To explore personal experiences of loss of foot sensation following stroke in order to inform
the focus of clinical assessments and development of a vibrotactile insole.
Methods: Qualitative design with an interpretive phenomenological approach to data collection and analysis. Eight community dwelling adults with stroke (>6 months) and sensory impairment in the feet participated. Data was collected via conversational style interviews which were transcribed and analyzed
using a thematic framework. Themes were verified with co-researchers and a lay advisory group.
Results: Data formed four themes: Sensory deficits are prevalent and constant, but individual and variable; Sensory deficits have a direct impact on balance, gait, mobility and falls; Sensory deficits have consequences for peoples’ lives; Footwear is the link between function, the environment and identity. They
embraced the concept of discrete vibrotactile insoles, their potential benefits and demonstrated a willingness to try it.
Conclusions: Sensory deficit contributes to effects upon physical function, mobility and activity. Clinical
outcome measures need to capture the emotional, psychological and social impacts of sensory deficit.
Participants demonstrated a resilience and resourcefulness through adaption in daily living and self-management of footwear. The participants focus on footwear provides the opportunity to develop discrete
and non-burdensome vibrotactile insoles for this patient group.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 24, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Oct 9, 2019
• Publication Date: Apr 3, 2021
• Deposit Date: Oct 16, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 9, 2020
• Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology
• Print ISSN: 1748-3107
• Electronic ISSN: 1748-3115
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 262-269
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2019.1673490
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2019.1673490
• Related Public URLs: https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/iidt20/current
• Additional Information: Access Information : This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology on 9th October 2019, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/17483107.2019.1673490.; Projects : Development of sensory stimulating orthotic insoles to aid balance and independent walking following brain injury