Abstract |
Most neuroimaging research in stroke rehabilitation mainly focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying the natural history of post- stroke recovery. However, connectivity mapping from resting-state fMRI is well suited for different neurological conditions and provides a promising method to explore plastic changes for treatment-induced recovery from stroke. We examined the changes in resting-state functional connectivity (RS-FC) of the ipsilesional primary motor cortex (M1) in 10 post- acute stroke patients before and immediately after 4 weeks of robot-assisted bilateral arm therapy (RBAT). Motor performance, functional use of the affected arm, and daily function improved in all participants. Reduced interhemispheric RS-FC between the ipsilesional and contralesional M1 (M1-M1) and the contralesional-lateralized connections were noted before treatment. In contrast, greater M1-M1 functional connectivity and disturbed resting-state networks were observed after RBAT relative to pre-treatment. Increased changes in M1-M1 RS-FC after RBAT were coupled with better motor and functional improvements. Mediation analysis showed the pre-to-post difference in M1-M1 RS-FC was a significant mediator for the relationship between motor and functional recovery. These results show neuroplastic changes and functional recoveries induced by RBAT in post- acute stroke survivors and suggest that interhemispheric functional connectivity in the motor cortex may be a neurobiological marker for recovery after stroke rehabilitation.
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Authors | Yang-Teng Fan, Ching-Yi Wu, Ho-Ling Liu, Keh-Chung Lin, Yau-Yau Wai, Yao-Liang Chen |
Journal | Frontiers in human neuroscience
(Front Hum Neurosci)
Vol. 9
Pg. 546
( 2015)
ISSN: 1662-5161 [Print] Switzerland |
PMID | 26557065
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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