Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of occupational therapy (OT) on hemianesthesia and hand function after stroke. Methods 50 stroke patients with hemianesthesia were divided into OT group (n=25) and control group (n=25). The OT group accepted OT combined with routine therapy and the control group accepted routine therapy only. They were assessed with upper extremity sense of Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and evaluation of hand function before and after treatment. Results The scores of FMA and hand function improved significantly in both groups 2 months after treatment, and improved more in the OT group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion OT can improve the sense and the hand function in stroke patients with hemianesthesia

Key words: stroke, occupational therapy, hemianesthesia, hand function