Effects of upper limb peripheral nerve mobilization on motor function and nerve conduction among subjects with middle cerebral artery stroke

Aim: To explores the effects of upper limb peripheral nerve mobilization (PNM) on motor function and nerve conduction in middle cerebral artery stroke patients. Materials and Methods: An experimental study, where Sixty-six participants, aged 40-75 years, were divided into an experimental group (n=33) and a control group (n=33). The experimental group underwent PNM, while the control group received standard stroke rehabilitation therapy. Outcome measures included the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) for radial, median, and ulnar nerves. Results: Both groups (n = 33 each) showed significant post-intervention improvements (p < 0.05). The experimental group demonstrated greater gains, with WMFT Time reducing from 61.8 to 36.8 sec and median nerve conduction increasing from 49.7 to 54.8 m/s (p < 0.05). Between-group analysis favored the experimental group in WMFT Functional Ability (p = 0.020), and median (p = 0.001), radial (p = 0.014), and ulnar nerve conduction (p = 0.001), indicating superior motor and nerve recovery. Conclusions: The integration of PNM techniques into conventional stroke rehabilitation offers therapists a comprehensive approach to addressing both peripheral nerve health and motor function. The experimental group showed marked improvements in WMFT scores and nerve conduction velocities compared to the control group, highlighting the potential of PNM as an effective adjunct therapy in stroke rehabilitation. -