Differences in brain activation and connectivity during unaffected hand exercise in subacute and convalescent stroke patients

• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.11.038
• Publication Date: 2024-11-17T23:02:57Z
• Authors: Yuqin Ma; Dongyan Xie; Yang Yu; Kexin Yao; Shuting Zhang; Qiqi Li; Yongfeng Hong; Xianshan Shen
• Keywords: Stroke

Patients experiencing severe hemiplegia following a stroke struggle to rehabilitate their affected limbs. Cross-education (CE) training emerges as promising rehabilitation method due its safety, simplicity, low risk, and ability effectively improve muscle strength in the limb. However, controversy surrounds neural mechanisms clinical applications of CE. To address this, we employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy monitor response regions interest (ROI) connectivity patients with during one session 50% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) less-affected hand both subacute convalescent phases. Our objective was compare two groups gain insight into potential utility for unilateral limb an effective approach different phases post stroke. The findings revealed varying degrees activation ROIs within hemisphere across task. Additionally, found that (SPS) had higher blood oxygen levels ipsilesional primary motor (iM1), pre-motor supplementary area (iP-SMA) contralesional P-SMA (cP-SMA). Functional between iM1 brain regions, well iP-SMA ROIs, showed statistically significant differences SPS compared (CPS) MVC using hand. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Exploring underlying sheds light on safe therapy. study enhances our understanding investigates feasibility future approach. Analyzing how affects could lead more tailored strategies.