Mechanical finger sensory stimulation effects on brain function in post-stroke patients: A resting-state fMRI study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Stroke frequently causes upper limb motor dysfunction, impacting daily life.
• Mechanical digit sensory stimulation (MDSS) shows promise for motor recovery.
• Neural mechanisms underlying MDSS effects require elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate MDSS effects on limb motor function and daily activities in ischemic stroke patients.
• To explore changes in brain functional network connectivity following MDSS intervention.
• To provide neurobiological evidence for MDSS as a rehabilitation therapy.

Main Methods:

• 60 post-stroke hemiplegia patients received standardized MDSS.
• Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) assessed function.
• Resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) analyzed functional connectivity (FC) and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF).

Main Results:

• Significant improvements observed in FMA and MBI scores post-MDSS (P < 0.001).
• rs-fMRI showed increased fALFF in the right postcentral gyrus, basal ganglia, and cerebellum (P < 0.05).
• Enhanced connectivity noted in sensorimotor network, cerebellar-cortical circuits, and frontoparietal pathways.

Conclusions:

• MDSS is a safe and effective non-invasive treatment for stroke motor recovery.
• MDSS enhances sensorimotor network connectivity and optimizes neural resource redistribution.
• Neurobiological evidence supports MDSS as an adjunctive stroke rehabilitation therapy.