A brain-computer interface can improve upper limb function after an ischemic stroke
10.3760/cma.j.cn421666-20230704-00537
- VernacularTitle:脑机接口对缺血性脑卒中患者上肢功能影响的近红外脑功能成像研究
- Author:
Zhiying ZHANG
1
;
Chunguang LI
;
Min SU
Author Information
1. 苏州大学附属第四医院康复医学科，苏州 215000
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Brain-computer interfaces;
Functional near infrared spectroscopy;
Stroke;
Upper limb function
- From:
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
2025;47(4):300-306
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To investigate the effect of brain-computer interface (BCI) training on the upper limb function of stroke survivors and to observe any changes in cortical activation patterns after such training.Methods:Thirty ischemic stroke survivors with upper limb dysfunction were randomized into a treatment group ( n=15) and a control group ( n=15). Both groups were given conventional upper limb rehabilitation training, while the treatment group additionally underwent 30 minutes of upper limb BCI training daily, five days a week for four consecutive weeks. Their upper limb motor functioning was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) and their ability in the activities of daily living (ADL) was quantified using the modified Barthel Index (MBI) before the experiment and after two and four weeks. the functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was employed to measure oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO 2) levels in six regions of interest: the premotor cortex (PMC), the supplementary motor area (SMA), and the sensorimotor cortex (SMC) of the affected and unaffected hemispheres. Changes in brain network topology and network efficiency during the upper limb training were also analyzed. Results:After two and four weeks of the treatment, both groups showed significant improvement in their average FMA and MBI scores. The improvement was significantly greater in the treatment group than among the controls, on average. Before the treatment, HbO 2 levels in the affected SMA were significantly lower than in the other regions of interest in both groups. However, after 4 weeks the treatment group had significantly increased HbO 2 in the affected PMC and SMA, with higher concentrations in the affected PMC than among the control group. The network efficiency in the treatment group was also significantly better than in the control group after four weeks. Conclusions:Supplementing conventional neuropharmacological and rehabilitation therapies with BCI training can significantly improve upper limb motor function and the ADL ability of stroke survivors. It enhances cortical activation in the affected PMC and SMA and increases inter-regional brain networks.
