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Updated: Nov 3, 2025
Author Spotlight: Using Motor Imagery Brain-Computer Interface to Improve Motor and Cognitive Function in Stroke Patients
Published on: September 1, 2023
Relationship Between Motor Function, DTI, and Neurophysiological Parameters in Patients with Stroke in the Recovery
Yoshitaka Okamoto1, Daisuke Ishii2, Satoshi Yamamoto3
1Department of Rehabilitation, University of Tsukuba Hospital, 2-1-2, Amakubo, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8576, Japan.
Objectives:
We investigated the relationship between pyramidal tract evaluation indexes (i.e., diffusion tensor imaging, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-induced motor-evoked potential (MEP), and central motor conduction time (CMCT) on admission to the recovery rehabilitation unit) and motor functions at discharge in patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
Materials And Methods:
Seventeen patients were recruited (12 men; 57.9 ± 10.3 years). The mean fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the right and left posterior limbs of the internal capsule were estimated using a computer-automated method. We determined the ratios of FA values in the affected and unaffected hemispheres (rFA), TMS-induced MEP, and the ratios of CMCT in the affected and unaffected hemispheres (rCMCT) and examined their association with motor functions (Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT)) at discharge.
Results:
Higher rFA values of the posterior limb of the internal capsule on admission to the recovery rehabilitation unit led to a better recovery of upper limb function (FMA: r = 0.78, p < 0.001; ARAT: r = 0.74, p = 0.001). Patients without MEP had poorer recovery of upper limb function than those with MEP (FMA: p < 0.001; ARAT: p = 0.001). The higher the rCMCT, the poorer the recovery of upper limb function (ARAT: r = -0.93, p < 0.001). However, no association was observed between the pyramidal tract evaluation indexes and recovery of lower limb motor function.
Conclusions:
Evaluating the pyramidal tract is useful for predicting upper limb function prognosis, but not for lower limb function prognosis.
