Effect of brain-computer interface training based on motor imagery on hand function for subacute stroke patients / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of brain-computer interface (BCI) training based on motor imagery on hand function in hemiplegic patients with subacute stroke. MethodsFrom June, 2020 to December, 2021, 40 patients with hemiplegia in subacute stroke from Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were divided into control group (n = 20) and experimental group (n = 20) using random number table. Both groups accepted medication and routine comprehensive rehabilitation, while the control group accepted hand rehabilitation robot training, and the experimental group accepted the robot training using motor imagery-based BCI, for four weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE), modified Barthel Index, modified Ashworth scale, and measured integrated electromyogram of the superficial finger flexors, finger extensors and short thumb extensors of the affected forearm during maximum isometric voluntary contraction with surface electromyography. ResultsTwo patients in the control group and one in the experimental group dropped off. All the indexes improved in both groups after treatment (t > 2.322, Z > 2.631, P < 0.05), and they were better in the experimental group than in the control group (t > 2.227, Z > 2.078, P < 0.05), except the FMA-UE score of wrist. ConclusionMotor imagery-based BCI training is more effective on hand function and activities of daily living in hemiplegic patients with subacute stroke.