Article

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between
somatosensory loss and perception of verticality in stroke patients suffering
single-hemisphere lesions. METHOD: Somatosensory loss was measured using the
Rivermead Assessment for Somatosensory Performance (RASP). Perception of
verticality was assessed with the Subjective Visual Vertical (SVV) and the
Subjective Postural Vertical (SPV) tests. Absolute Values of SVV and SPV were
used to analyze the amount of deviation in relation to somatosensory loss.
RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were included in the study (mean age = 45.91 SD =
31.88 years). Analysis showed that somatosensory loss was related to results of
the SVV (r = -0.552, p = 0.001, Pearson Rank) and the SPV (r = -0.661, p < 0.001,
Spearman I). Furthermore, results showed that both joint-related (SVV: r =
-0.411, p = 0.019, Pearson Rank; SPV: r = -0.597, p = 0.001, Spearman I) and
skin-related (SVV: r = -0.595, p < 0.001, Pearson Rank; SPV: r = -0.663, p <
0.001, Spearman I) somatosensory information is related to verticality
perception. CONCLUSIONS:
This study provides evidence that perception of
verticality is related to somatosensory loss, which means that somatosensory loss
will lead to a larger amount of deviation of SVV and SPV in relation to the
gravitational vector. Furthermore, it is interesting
to note that both SVV and
SPV are influenced by somatosensory loss. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: *
Somatosensory information is related to both visual and postural aspects of
verticality perception. * Both joint- and cutaneous-related modalities of sensory
information are related to perception of verticality. * Sensory training could be
important in the recovery of verticality perception.

Langue : ANGLAIS