Multimodal assessment of a BCI system for stroke rehabilitation integrating motor imagery and motor attempts: a randomized controlled trial
Abstract
Brain–computer interface (BCI) technology based on motor imagery (MI) or motor attempt (MA) has shown promise in enhancing motor function recovery in stroke patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of BCI-based rehabilitation in improving motor function through multimodal assessment, and to explore the potential neuroplastic changes resulting from this intervention. We conducted a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial with multimodal assessment to evaluate the efficacy of a BCI system for enhancing motor recovery. A total of 48 ischemic stroke patients completed the study (25 BCI, 23 control). The BCI group used an 8-electrode electroencephalogram (EEG) system, a virtual reality training module, and a rehabilitation training robot for real-time motor intention-based feedback. The control group used identical BCI devices but without displaying real-time data and feedback. Participants underwent 20-minute upper and lower limb training sessions for two weeks. Motor function (Fugl-Meyer Extremity scale), electromyography (EMG), and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. The BCI group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in upper extremity motor function compared to the control group (ΔFMA-UE: 4.0 vs. 2.0, p = 0.046). EEG results of the BCI group showed a significant decrease in both DAR (p = 0.031) and DABR (p < 0.001) compared to baseline. EMG analysis revealed that BCI treatment resulted in…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 48 participants or records.
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