Progress in the combined application of Brain-Computer Interface and non-invasive brain stimulation for post-stroke...

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of disability and death among adults globally. Both Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) and Non-invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) have shown significant potential in facilitating motor recovery in stroke patients. The combination of BCI and NIBS enhances brain functional reorganization and accelerates motor recovery post-stroke through a real-time feedback mechanism. By modulating neural plasticity, this combined approach can alter the trajectory of motor recovery, offering a novel therapeutic avenue for stroke rehabilitation. This review examines the application and recent advancements of BCI integrated with NIBS in motor function rehabilitation for stroke patients. Specifically, it outlines the advantages and challenges of this combined approach, including the use of TMS, tDCS, tACS, and other emerging neurostimulation technologies. While the integration of BCI and NIBS is still in the early stages of exploration, a unified, standardized protocol has yet to be established. Future research should focus on optimizing multimodal integration, investigating the underlying neuroplasticity mechanisms, and evaluating the long-term efficacy of BCI combined with NIBS.