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Author Spotlight: Using Motor Imagery Brain-Computer Interface to Improve Motor and Cognitive Function in Stroke Patients
Published on: September 1, 2023
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Resting state functional connectivity associated with impaired proprioception post-stroke
Jeffrey M Kenzie1,2, Deepthi Rajashekar1, Bradley G Goodyear1,2,3,4
1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Human Brain Mapping
|December 6, 2023
Summary
Stroke survivors often experience proprioception deficits. This study reveals altered brain connectivity in stroke patients, identifying key areas for potential therapeutic targets to improve limb position sense recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Proprioception deficits affect approximately 50% of stroke survivors, hindering rehabilitation and recovery.
- Understanding the neurological underpinnings of these deficits is crucial for effective therapeutic strategies.
- Current knowledge gaps limit the effectiveness of interventions aimed at restoring proprioception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in functional brain network connectivity associated with proprioception deficits post-stroke.
- To identify specific brain regions and networks critical for proprioception in stroke survivors.
- To explore the potential of functional connectivity assessment for prognostication and therapeutic targeting.
Main Methods:
- Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was conducted on 30 stroke participants and 30 age-matched healthy controls.
- Proprioceptive impairments were assessed using a Kinarm robotic exoskeleton.
- Functional connectivity analyses focused on brain regions implicated in proprioception, including the supplementary motor area, supramarginal gyrus, primary somatosensory cortex, and parietal opercular area.
Main Results:
- Stroke patients demonstrated reduced functional connectivity in the supplementary motor area and supramarginal gyrus compared to controls.
- Connectivity within the primary somatosensory cortex and parietal opercular area was significantly associated with proprioceptive function.
- The parietal lobe of the affected hemisphere emerged as a critical network node for proprioception after stroke.
Conclusions:
- Altered functional connectivity, particularly within the parietal lobe, is linked to proprioception deficits following stroke.
- Assessing functional connectivity in these regions may aid in predicting stroke recovery outcomes.
- The findings suggest potential targets for neurostimulation therapies to enhance stroke rehabilitation and proprioception recovery.
