Changes in the hand motor cortex after cerebral infarction and during rehabilitation / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe any change in the active volume of the hand motor cortex during rehabilitation therapy after acute cerebral infarction and analyze the mechanisms involved in motor function rehabilitation.Metbods Of 16 patients with acute brain infarction,8 were administered routine intemal medicine treatment only,while and the other 8 received rehabilitation therapy in addition.Before treatment and after 14 days,the patients were assessed with functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI)and the Fugl-Meyer assessment of motor function (FMA).The active volume of the motor cortex was compared between the two groups of patients.Ten healthy volunteers were examined with fMRI to confirm the location and the volume ofthe active area when performing the sanle exercises.Results After treatment,all the 16 patients showed increased motor cortex active volume,and their FMA scores also increased.Those receiving rehabilitation therapy improved tO a significantly greater extent than those treated with internal medicine treatment alone.Conclusion Rehabilitation of patients with acute infarction Can activate a greater volume of the motor cortex and promote functional recovery.