Different feedback modes of brain-computer interface training for upper limb motor function after stroke: a protocol...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Upper limb motor impairment post-stroke significantly impacts daily living and quality of life.
• Brain-computer interface (BCI) training offers a promising avenue for neuroplastic reorganization and motor recovery by linking brain activity with sensory feedback.
• Current research lacks systematic comparisons of the relative efficacy of various BCI feedback modes in stroke rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically compare the efficacy of different brain-computer interface (BCI) feedback modes for upper limb motor rehabilitation in stroke survivors.
• To provide a transparent framework for a planned systematic review and network meta-analysis.
• To identify the most effective BCI feedback strategies to enhance motor recovery and neuroplasticity.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of major databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus) will be conducted up to March 2026.
• Eligible studies include parallel-group randomized controlled trials involving patients with post-stroke upper-limb motor impairment.
• Interventions encompass various BCI feedback modes (e.g., functional electrical stimulation, robotic, visual, virtual reality, multimodal) compared against control groups (conventional rehab, sham BCI, etc.).
• Primary outcome: Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). Secondary outcomes: Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT).
• Network meta-analysis will be performed to compare feedback modes, assessing local inconsistency and ranking efficacy using SUCRA.

Main Results:

• This section is not applicable as the abstract describes a study protocol, not results from completed research.
• The study protocol outlines the methodology for a network meta-analysis to compare BCI feedback modes.
• Results will be derived from synthesizing data from eligible randomized controlled trials.

Conclusions:

• This protocol details a comprehensive plan for comparing diverse BCI feedback modalities in stroke rehabilitation.
• The findings will inform clinical practice by identifying optimal BCI strategies for upper limb motor recovery.
• The systematic review and network meta-analysis will contribute to evidence-based guidelines for post-stroke neurorehabilitation.