Mapping the role of sensation in arm function after stroke—from somatosensation to sensorimotor function, arm use, and participation: a scoping review

PURPOSE: To explore available literature profiling the role of somatosensation on arm function after stroke; from somatosensation to sensorimotor function, arm use, and participation. METHODS: Studies were included if they had a standardised measure of somatosensation of the arm, in combination with a standardised measure of sensorimotor function, arm use, and/or participation. Ten databases were searched. Outcome measures were classified relative to the International Classification of Functioning framework and somatosensory function was categorised according to which somatosensory modality was assessed. RESULTS: The scoping review included 377 studies. Most studies (74.8%) measured somatosensation and sensorimotor function only; while 18.6% of studies included a measure of somatosensation, sensorimotor function, and arm use. Only 3.7% reported outcomes across the full continuum (somatosensation, sensorimotor function, arm use, and participation). For somatosensory modalities, 49.6% of studies evaluated tactile sensation, 39.0% tested proprioception, 13.8% tested haptic object recognition, 29.2% utilised a test with two or more modalities summed, and 9.3% used neurophysiological tests. CONCLUSION: Whilst somatosensory function was commonly tested in combination with a measure of sensorimotor function, somatosensation was not commonly tested with a measure of arm use and/or participation. This gap limits a comprehensive understanding of how somatosensory impairments affect real-world activities and participation.